Manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Manchester United are in the process of signing Jack Butland. The England goalkeeper is about to join from Crystal Palace, after Newcastle United recently decided to bring back Martin Dubravka .
English media reported on Wednesday that United are in talks with Crystal Palace about the arrival of Butland. A day later, Ten Hag confirmed that report during his preview of Friday evening’s FA Cup match with Everton. “We need three experienced keepers,” said the Dutch manager. “We have some young goalkeepers who are doing well, but we play so many games that you need three experienced goalkeepers to reach your goals, especially when problems arise.”
With Butland, nine-time international from England, Ten Hag thinks he can bring in a suitable stand-in from David de Gea. The 29-year-old goalkeeper has not yet played for Crystal Palace this season due to a finger injury, but was Stoke City’s first choice for many years. “I’m really happy with David, let’s be clear, he’s our number 1 and he’s performing really well. But something can always happen to David and you have to be prepared for that so you don’t have a problem,” suggested the Dutchman.
Ten Hag points out the importance of backups
Ten Hag pointed to the situation at Ajax last season, when Jay Gorter, Remko Pasveer and Maarten Stekelenburg were all injured and Andre Onana was called back in after his suspension. “Last year I had a situation at Ajax where three keepers were injured. You don’t want that when you play for prizes. Then if you have to field a young keeper, it can break your season. You have to be prepared for it,” said the manager of United, which also has Tom Heaton (36) in the selection.
Ten Hag confirmed that United are keeping their eyes open on the transfer market for reinforcements. That can improve the team and is looking forward to the FA Cup game with Everton. “For me, the cup is always special. I know that the FA Cup is even more highly regarded in England than in the Netherlands. But I also liked the cup in the Netherlands. It’s a different kind of competition. You can achieve a lot in few competitions and you have to win to continue,” said Ten Hag. Who is on the hunt winning his first prize.
