According to Manchester Evening News, Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle has acknowledged being a Manchester United supporter amid reports linking him with both the Red Devils and Arsenal.
The 22-year-old shot-stopper, praised as “outstanding,” has also drawn attention from clubs such as Birmingham City, Sunderland, Preston North End, and Everton following an impressive season.
Despite growing interest, Tickle is not in a hurry to leave, as he has firmly established himself at the League One side.
Arsenal made an approach for him last summer, but he turned it down because he did not want to be a third-choice goalkeeper. However, with Manchester United now keeping tabs on him, a move to the Premier League could still be on the cards.
“It’s nice to see your name linked but it doesn’t impact me,” Tickle told The Daily Mail.
“As long as I get to play football, I’m happy. I’m living the dream and all I wanted to do was to come through at Wigan and play for Wigan. I’m a Man United fan but I’ve been at the club so long that I’m a Wigan fan now.”
Manchester United are considering multiple goalkeeper options, especially with backup Altay Bayindir struggling for game time and possibly leaving the club. Tickle could be a strong candidate to step into that role.
He had a standout campaign last season, winning Wigan Athletic’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards after recording 18 clean sheets in 52 games. His performances also earned him a call-up to England’s under-21 squad in September 2023, and he made his debut in March 2024.
Although he signed a four-year contract extension in May 2023, keeping him at Wigan until 2028, his long-term future in League One appears uncertain. Wigan staff have lauded his shot-stopping abilities as being of Premier League standard.
While it remains unclear if Manchester United will make a formal move, his rapid development and growing reputation suggest that he will continue to attract interest from top clubs, potentially securing a move to the English top flight in the near future.
