Erik ten Hag being prudent with bringing Jack Butland to Manchester United from Crystal Palace
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is being prudent by moving for Crystal Palace star Jack Butland, who is close to signing for the Red Devils on loan.
The Red Devils lost Martin Dubravka in the ongoing transfer window. The Slovakia international was recalled from his temporary move at the Old Trafford side by Newcastle United. As a result, we only had David de Gea and Tom Heaton as the senior shot-stoppers in the squad.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has admitted that the Spaniard is the number one choice in between the sticks at United. However, the Dutch manager is being cautious by bringing in Butland, considering anything can happen throughout the campaign.
“What he (Butland)’s bringing? I’m really happy with David, it’s quite clear, he’s our No.1, he’s a really good performer but what I say is 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 experienced goalkeeper and you are unlucky.”
De Gea has started in most fixtures for the Red Devils this season. The 32-year-old has been Ten Hag’s first choice. Although the Spaniard had a shaky start to the campaign, he has bounced back.
The former Ajax head coach has seemingly brought in a different style, putting emphasis on playing out from the back. Unfortunately, the former Atletico Madrid star leaves a lot to be desired in that department.
But De Gea has shown his class as the season has progressed. The 32-year-old has also evidently improved his distribution slightly.
Dubravka started two games for the Old Trafford side in the Carabao Cup during his time at the club. It will be interesting to see how far we go in the domestic cup competitions. Thus, it is important to have another goalkeeper with experience in the squad.
Butland has had an extensive career in English football. The 29-year-old impressed during his time at Stoke City. He was also handed a few caps for the Three Lions. But over the years, the shot-stopper has hardly played.
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Therefore, it is a wise move by the club to bolster the goalkeeping department. Now, it remains to be seen whether Butland gets an opportunity to feature for United during his loan spell.
