Concentrate. That was the parting piece of advice from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as Sam Johnstone headed to Scunthorpe United.

And the teenage goalkeeper is determined to do just that.

Johnstone knows his initial one-month loan switch to Glanford Park is a prime opportunity to further his career.

Having been limited to reserve and Academy action with the Red Devils, as well as two appearances on loan at Oldham Athletic earlier this year, it will be a rare taste of competitive action.

"I think it's good to get in a different environment and get experience," said Johnstone.

"This football is better than reserve football or Academy football – a lot better.

"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday. He said, go enjoy it and concentrate because it's going to be a lot different to playing in the reserves or Academy.

"He said it will do me good."

Johnstone, who regularly trains with the Red Devils' first-team keepers, is certain he can handle the pressure of stepping straight into League One football.

"You've just got to be confident," he said.

"You've got to be able to tell 20 or 30-year-olds what to do.

"The best thing is just to learn everyone's names really – that will help to start with!

"If you help them, they'll help you.

"If you want to play at the top level, you've got to be able to deal with the pressure.

"I'm good at shot-stopping. I'm big, brave and my longer passing is good.

"It's a good chance to improve on that and it will help me massively."

However, Johnstone accepts there are certain areas he needs to work on, and hopes his stint at Scunthorpe will help.

"I think I need to improve my communication," he admitted.

"Sometimes I tend to concentrate on myself more because I want to be focused on making the save.

"Experience is just the main thing.

"Hopefully it is for longer than a month and I get a lot of games at this level.

"It will be different playing in the league with big crowds and playing for points."