Man Utd complete loan signing as Premier League ‘keeper joins club after warning from Ten Hag
Man Utd have announced that they have signed Jack Butland from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace on loan until the end of this season.
The former England international will spend the second half of the 2022/23 season at United to provide competition for David De Gea and Tom Heaton.
Butland’s arrival comes after Martin Dubravka was recalled by his parent club Newcastle United.
“This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent,” former England goalkeeper Butland told the official club website.
“I’m really looking forward to working with an unbelievable goalkeeping group, supporting each other every day to create the best training and playing environment for the team.
“I’ve played against David de Gea and represented England alongside Tom Heaton; they are top-class ‘keepers, and I am relishing the opportunity to compete alongside and support them as team-mates.
“There is a lot that this group can achieve this season and I’m excited to play my part in helping everyone to reach these ambitions.”
Butland has made 17 appearances for Palace since joining from Stoke in 2020 and, while his contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire in the summer, the club hold the option to extend his terms by a further 12 months.
Butland tweeted: “Massive club. Massive opportunity. Can’t wait to get started.”
Ten Hag all but confirmed the signing when he spoke at his press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The Dutchman explained that Butland is needed as without three goalkeepers, Man Utd’s season is at risk of being “killed”.
“Yes, so Martin (Dubravka) was recalled and now to set up we need three experienced goalkeepers, we have some young ones, and they do well,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“But we have so many games, so you need three good goalies in training but also when problems are coming you need experience in goal to get your goals, what you are aiming for.
“What he’s (Butland) bringing, I’m really happy with David, it’s quite clear, he’s our No.1, he’s a really good performer, but there’s always something that can happen with David as well, and you have to be prepared for that, so you don’t have one.
“Last year I had a situation with Ajax we had three goalies injured, and you don’t want a position that you play for trophies, and you have to put in a young keeper, you can’t expect it, and also kill your season. That’s what you have to be prepared for.”
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