One former Manchester United player has landed a new move after his team won promotion to the Premier League.
Back in January 2020, Manchester United clinched a move for Bruno Fernandes. It remains one of the very best of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
One the same day Fernandes signed, United also made a move to land back-up goalkeeper Nathan Bishop from Southend.
Bishop never got as far as starting a first team game for Manchester United. And really, he never stood a chance, backing up David de Gea, Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson.
But the move was a useful one for United, adding emergency depth, while Bishop got a valuable chance to further his development training alongside the best.
Nathan Bishop with arms outstretched
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nathan Bishop’s post-Manchester United career
Nathan Bishop’s biggest impact for Manchester United came in a pre-season friendly match in the USA in 2023 against Wrexham.
He collided with Wrexham striker Paul Mullin, who was seriously injured, causing a war of words in the aftermath, where Ryan Reynolds even stepped in to diffuse the situation.
Bishop was already heading for the exit, having spent time out on loan at Mansfield Town, he signed for Sunderland.
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The goalkeeper has barely played for Sunderland, sent out on loan to Wycombe and then Cambridge.
Now with Sunderland winning promotion to the Premier League, he has left the club on a permanent basis.
Nathan Bishop signs with AFC Wimbledon
Nathan Bishop has signed a deal as a free agent with AFC Wimbledon. He confirmed the move via Instagram.
He wrote: “Delighted to sign for @afc_wimbledon. A club with incredible ambition. A great group and some top top fans! Can’t wait to meet you all soon ❤️
“To everyone at Sunderland, staff, players and fans, my time was short but truly loved every second being a part of such an incredible club. A place where my partner and i got to have our son, and experience life with some incredible people! A top group of lads and Top top fans who deserve everything! Good luck in the Premier league i’ll always be watching.”
Bishop received a congratulatory message from former Manchester United colleague David de Gea, who clearly still values his time spent in goalkeeper training sessions with Bishop.
David de Gea response to Nathan Bishop
David de Gea response to Nathan Bishop
AFC Wimbledon will be playing in League One next season, having earned promotion from League Two via the playoffs.
Dons’ director of football Craig Cope commented: “We are delighted to have Nathan join. He’s a goalkeeper with real pedigree.
Wimbledon’s official website also talked up Bishop’s experience working with ‘world class David de Gea’, and the 25-year-old goalkeeper will be glad to know his former mentor is watching.