Johnstone Happy With Pre-season Outings

Sam Johnstone hopes he can build on his two pre-season performances against Wigan Athletic and Borussia Dortmund, with the Manchester United goalkeeper admitting to having mixed feelings after each match.

Johnstone started both games and made some solid saves in each, but the stopper said all the players were frustrated by the 1-4 end result against Dortmund on the back of a 2-0 win over the Latics.

"Playing for Man United is my dream, so it’s been really good, but we were disappointed with the result," he told ManUtd.com. "Both games have been very different. It was pleasing to beat Wigan but Dortmund had played four or five games before they played us, so they were a little bit sharper than us.

"Coming to this side of the world [China] on tour is great; it’s a fresh start for everyone to show the manager what they can do in training and the matches. I’m grateful to have played in the last two games, but I want to build on that and keep doing my best."

Asked about playing behind new signing Eric Bailly, Johnstone enthused: "Eric is new to the club but he has settled quickly and well. He’s strong and not scared to get stuck in and he doesn’t take any messing."

Johnstone spoke of working with Jose Mourinho and his new coaches, explaining how their encouragement on the training pitch has given the squad confidence.

"It’s been very good," he continued. "The lads are loving it and it’s great to work with the new goalkeeping coaches and get the work in during pre-season. Hopefully it sets us up for the season ahead.

"The manager encourages the lads to go out and play and express themselves on the training pitch and take that into matches. He’s behind the lads and gives us the confidence to express ourselves. That’s why we’re gutted about the result against Dortmund because we wanted to go out and make our mark."