Erik ten Hag has explained the reasons as to why Manchester United are signing Jack Butland from Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal.
Ten Hag went into great length as to why United are signing Butland because when he was in The Netherlands with Ajax, he talked about how towards the end of the season, his team suffered a crisis in the goalkeeping department and because of this, he is keen to avoid that situation with United.
Ten Hag: “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.”
Ten Hag on why #mufc are signing Jack Butland: “Martin [Dúbravka] was recalled and now to set up we need three experienced goalkeepers, we have some young ones, and they do well “
With United aiming to go far in all four competitions, it is imperative that the team have a number of options in every position, including the goalkeeper department because United must be prepared for every eventuality.
“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,” ten Hag said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Everton game.
“What he’s [Butland] bringing, I’m really happy with David [de Gea], 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.”
The 29-year-old will bring experience to the goalkeeping department after the club saw Martin Dubravka return to Newcastle after the North East side decided to recall back Dubravka from his loan spell with United.
Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic reported that United had given thought to signing Butland in the summer in order to provide back up to David de Gea before the club settled on Dubravka from Newcastle [The Athletic].
Next up for ten Hag and his team is an FA Cup game against Everton, which gets underway at 8pm UK time and the FA Cup gives United a chance to win a major trophy, something that the team have not done since 2017.
