Former Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given believes that Manchester United's Sam Johnstone may not want to return to Old Trafford after his most recent loan spell ends.

Johnstone is currently on loan at Aston Villa, following a lack of first team options at United. His path at Old Trafford is blocked by David de Gea and Sergio Romero.

And Given believes that with Johnstone now experiencing regular first team football at Villa Park, he may want to turn his loan move into a permanent deal in January.

"Well, I think that would be good if they could keep him," Given told Express Sport. "He's had a great season.

"I don't know what Manchester United will be thinking about that.

"But Sam will have a taste for playing at Aston Villa now as well and I wouldn't imagine he'd want to go back and play Under-23s or whatever at Man United.

"He'll want to further his career and, I can't speak for Sam of course, but I'm sure Villa would love to keep him."