League Two footage shows Sunderland AFC may have long-term Anthony Patterson replacement | OneFootball

Matty Young has broken into the first team at Salford, and his progress is particularly well timed for Sunderland.

Key Takeaways

Sunderland AFC loanee Matty Young has caught the eye recently during his loan spell with League Two side Salford City.

Young produced a stunning double save in the first half of Salford’s 2-0 win over Harrogate Town last week and has continued to impress as his minutes have increased in Greater Manchester.

The youngster, who only turned 18 last month, is extremely highly rated at Sunderland and has been touted as a potential successor to Anthony Patterson.

And given the recent rumoured interest in Patterson from both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Daily Mail, Young’s form will be seen as a huge positive for the Black Cats.

Young looks to be Salford’s new number one

Young has had to play second fiddle to Salford’s senior ‘keeper Jamie Jones in the league so far this season.

But after last Tuesday’s performance against Harrogate, a display which saw him named in the EFL’s League Two Team of The Week, Young looks to have made the Ammies’ number one shirt his own.

He saved two penalties in Salford’s 3-2 Vertu Trophy win over Wolves’ Under 21s back in November and has started both of the Ammies' two FA Cup games against Shrewsbury Town and Cheltenham Town. Young kept a clean sheet in the latter, as Karl Robinson’s men set up a dream date with Manchester City in the third round.

Young’s run of two consecutive clean sheets was brought to a close with a 1-0 defeat away at Gillingham on Saturday, but after starting consecutive league games for the first time all season, he looks to have claimed the starting spot for Robinson’s side.

Young’s League Two berth has come at a timely moment for Sunderland as, according to the Sunderland Echo, they were considering recalling Young in January as a result of his lack of gametime in the league.

The 18-year-old signed a new extended deal in November, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2028, having also made his debut for England’s Under 20s side earlier in the month.

Young’s progress could be central to Sunderland’s Patterson decision

Young’s continued progress is an extremely positive sign for Sunderland amid the interest in Patterson from the Premier League giants.

After getting his first taste of senior football on loan at Darlington at the end of last season, this season’s League Two move represents a substantial step up in the keeper’s career.

While Young is likely still a fair distance from becoming the Black Cats’ number one, if his performances can continue to show the level of potential Sunderland know he has, it could strongly affect their decision, should a bid for Patterson come in.

At present, Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu are the only senior options (aside from Patterson) at the club. However, neither are likely to consistently be at the level required for a team who will have top-flight ambitions in the near future. Moore is 34 years old and has made just seven league appearances in the last two seasons, while Nna Noukeu is yet to make his EFL debut at the age of 23.

If Young can continue to outline himself as Patterson’s long-term successor, it could prompt Sunderland to target a more short-term immediate replacement for their home-grown shot-stopper, be that a loan deal for a Premier League talent, or a permanent deal for a more experienced ‘keeper.

Whether the interest in Patterson materialises in January or not remains to be seen, but after several transfer windows of top-flight links, it is likely he will move on sooner rather than later.

If Young’s career continues on its upward trajectory, it should provide some solace for Sunderland that if they are to lose Patterson, the long-term future for their goalkeeping position remains bright.