DONE DEAL: Man Utd secure first January transfer as Jack Butland completes move
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of former England goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Butland has joined United on loan from Crystal Palace to the end of the season, as back-up to first-choice keeper David De Gea. United moved to sign a new No.2 after Martin Dubravka was recalled from his loan spell at Old Trafford by Newcastle, leaving them with Tom Heaton and Nathan Bishop.
Butland, 29, who has played 87 games in the Premier League and been capped nine times by England, said: “This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent.
“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 teammates.
“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.”
John Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, said: “Jack is an excellent goalkeeper with great experience throughout his career. His mentality and personality will be a real asset to our superb group of goalkeepers and the whole squad.
“Jack joins David, Tom and our young keepers to form a strong group who will all support each other in creating an optimum training and playing environment. We’re all looking forward to welcoming him into the group.”
Ten Hag outlined why he needed to bring in Butland and said: “Martin was recalled and we need three experienced goalkeepers.
“We have some young ones and they do well, but we have so many games so you need three good goalies in training. Also, when problems are coming, you need experience in goal to get what you are aiming for.
“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. 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.
“You don’t want to play for trophies and then have to put in a young keeper – you can’t expect it and also it kills your season. So that’s what you have to be prepared for.”
