Exclusive: Man United pursuing Preston North End transfer - Sky Sports pundit left "surprised" | OneFootball

David Prutton reacts to the news that the Red Devils are interested in the PNE shotstopper

Manchester United have reportedly identified Preston North End shot-stopper Freddie Woodman as a summer transfer target.

Alan Nixon, sharing the news on his Patreon blog, has noted an impressive campaign for the 28-year-old goalkeeper has impressed the hierarchy at Old Trafford.

The former England youth international is out of contract at the conclusion of the 24/25 season, and with an ankle injury ruling him out until the end of the season, may have made his last appearance for Paul Heckingbottom's side.

EFL expert David Prutton shares honest verdict on Freddie Woodman transfer links

Football League World spoke exclusively with EFL pundit David Prutton on the news that Woodman may depart for Old Trafford, asking if the news came as a shock to the former midfielder, and whether Woodman deserved a top-flight move.

“Seen a fair bit of Freddie Woodman at Preston North End, the type of team that unfortunately for the supporters, since they've got back to the Championship haven't really troubled either end,” Prutton told FLW.

“Even though at times they’ve sat at the top of the table, but come the end of the season they've been nestled in that middle portion.

“I would be surprised if Manchester United, with the greatest respect to Freddie, would be looking at him as a number one given the size of that club and the turnaround that needs to happen at that club to get back to the top level.

“They've signed high-profile goalkeepers who haven't necessarily stood up to the mark, so, you get the feeling that Freddie would be part of a squad there, rather than a first choice.

“But it is dream come true territory, isn't it? If you get a chance to play for Manchester United, it'd be very hard to say no.”

Move to Manchester United would see Freddie Woodman risk starts for status

In the end, Freddie Woodman faces a familiar dilemma for many talented EFL players eyeing the Premier League: the prestige of being associated with a club like Manchester United, versus the week-in, week-out reality of first-team football elsewhere.

The allure of Old Trafford is undeniable - training with world-class players, playing in front of global audiences, and donning the shirt of arguably the biggest club in the world.

But behind the dream lies the risk of limited opportunities. As a likely second or third choice, the PNE stopper could find himself spending more time on the bench than on the pitch.

Staying at Preston North End, or moving to another ambitious EFL side, may lack the glamour but guarantees more consistent game time. For a goalkeeper of 28 - often the beginning of a shot-stopper's peak years - minutes on the pitch are vital for development, rhythm, and recognition.

It’s possible United’s interest is as much about box-ticking as it is about bolstering the squad: a homegrown, experienced English keeper who satisfies registration quotas in an increasingly international-centric Premier League.