Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd announce Jack Butland signing as new keeper makes ‘unbelievable’ claim and Murtough leads welcomes
Manchester United have announced the signing of Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace to be their backup goalkeeper for the rest of the season.
David de Gea has been continuing to serve as Man Utd’s number one for Erik ten Hag this season. In the first half of the season, his deputy was Martin Dubravka, who was on loan from Newcastle.
However, opportunities were limited for Dubravka during his loan spell, which Newcastle ended in January by recalling him to St. James’ Park.
Hence, United have had to look for extra cover, despite having Tom Heaton as their third-choice goalkeeper already.
It recently emerged that they were looking at Butland as an option. The former England international, who earned nine caps between 2012 and 2018, was without an appearance for Crystal Palace so far this season.
Therefore, United identified him as someone they could offer a new opportunity to, even if it is clear he won’t be dislodging De Gea either.
TEAMtalk revealed on Thursday that Butland had agreed to make the move to Old Trafford. We understand United will have the option to tie him down to a one-year contract in the summer, by which point his loan spell and his contract with Palace will have expired.
Now, on Friday morning, United have announced Butland as their first signing of 2023.
Upon completing his move, Butland told their official club website: “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 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.”
He added on Twitter: “Massive club. Massive opportunity. Can’t wait to get started.”
Murtough explains what Jack Butland brings to Man Utd
Butland originally came through the ranks at Birmingham City. In and around his time there, he enjoyed a pair of loan spells with Cheltenham Town before joining Stoke City.
While owned by Stoke, he spent time on loan back at Birmingham, as well as Barnsley, Leeds and Derby. He ultimately became his parent club’s number one, making more than 150 appearances for them.
After losing his role as first choice when Stoke went down to the Championship, he was lifted back up to the top flight by Crystal Palace in 2020 to act as the deputy to Vicente Guaita.
He leaves Selhurst Park with 17 Palace appearances to his name. His overall Premier League appearance tally between his previous clubs is 87. Now, he is ready to add to the Man Utd goalkeeping department.
United’s football director, John Murtough, thinks Butland has the right personal attributes to contribute to the squad.
Murtough added: “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.”