Butland explains why he simply couldn't stay at Man Utd this summer

17 July 2023 , 07:11

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Jack Butland had no second thoughts (Image: Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Jack Butland wasn't prepared to spend any longer on the Manchester United bench and chose to join Rangers in order to play regular football.

The former England international goalkeeper, 30, secured a loan move to United for the second half of last season from parent club Crystal Palace. Butland didn't make a single appearance whilst backup to David de Gea, who's also moved on from Old Trafford.

Having never truly made his mark at Palace over three seasons with the Eagles, Butland decided upon his release in June that he'd find a new club where he could be No.1. Scottish giants Rangers promptly snapped up his signature to give him the opportunity which he craved.

"As much as I enjoyed Palace and as good as United was, I missed playing. And that's important to me," the 30-year-old affirmed, as quoted by the Scotsman. "All right, 'Could you be at United?' Well, yes, but what would the rest of my career look like? That was important to me. I wanted 30 onwards to be something l like back on as a successful period and not one that drifted away."

During his first few years in the professional game, Butland was tipped to be a future England No.1 but after moving to Stoke and suffering relegation from the Premier League, his stock dwindled. Now looking to reset at Ibrox, the ex-Birmingham star is eager to put the past few years behind him.

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"I mean, I am still 30," Butland reiterated. "There's a long way to go. A lot happened early. If I went through my career without any setbacks and without any moments it would have been a miracle. These things happen. One or two of them happened at a good time, not in my prime if you like."

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Jack Butland failed to make a single appearance for Manchester United (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

It's unknown whether or not United would've offered Butland a permanent deal thanks to his availability on a free transfer. For now, the Red Devils only have veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton and want-away Dean Henderson on their books.

Manager Erik ten Hag is close to securing a reunion with former Ajax shot-stopper Andre Onana, who United have agreed a deal with Inter Milan for. De Gea, meanwhile, is still searching for a new club after being released.

Butland's task will be to help Michael Beale's Rangers usurp Celtic as the team to beat in Glasgow and Scotland. Perhaps an inspiration will be how Joe Hart - another English goalkeeper who swapped the Premier League to head north of the border - has revitalised his career with rivals Celtic.

Nathan Ridley