The Black Cats have proven pedigree developing young shot stoppers.
Everton ace Jordan Pickford progressed through their youth ranks and is now England’s No 1.
Richardson could be the next big thing and, according to The Sun, Jose Mourinho is keen to swoop.
The 15-year-old is already regarded as a future star despite youth.
He’s already valued at £500,000 and United bigwigs are reportedly ready to sanction a deal.
United already have David de Gea on their books.
However, Richardson could be groomed as the Spaniard’s long-term successor.
United are having a tough season, but De Gea remains one of their most consistent performers.
The pressure on Mourinho was eased on Saturday after United edged past Newcastle in a 3-2 thriller.
The Red Devils attacked with gusto in the second half having been 2-0 down at half time.
Former star Paul Ince reckons Mourinho needs to throw caution to the wind more often.
He told the BBC: “What he has to understand is the game’s evolved.
“It’s not about when he was at Inter Milan going in the Champions League and having to park the bus and go defensively.
“The philosophy and teams that he’s had have been completely different to Manchester United.
“Manchester United has a tradition of playing attacking football.
“Fans want to see entertaining football.
“I’d like him to stay but he has to start changing from his methods that he used years back to understand that the game’s gone forward.
“Don’t be a dinosaur and start attacking teams like we have done over the years.”
Alan Shearer says United’s players – and executives behind the scenes – should shoulder the responsibility with Mourinho.
“The whole club of late has been embarrassing,” the former England skipper said.
“I think they all have to share the blame.”