Erik ten Hag reveals Man Utd are signing Premier League man to avoid their season being ‘killed’

ScoreLive January 5, 2023 0

Date published: Thursday 5th January 2023 5:35 – Lewis Oldham

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Manchester United are looking to sign Jack Butland this month after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle United.

The Red Devils need to sign a new backup goalkeeper after it was confirmed that Dubravka has headed back to Newcastle.

His departure leaves them with just David De Gea and Tom Heaton to choose from but they are moving quickly to acquire Butland from Crystal Palace. It was confirmed on Thursday morning that the transfer is now very close to being completed.

Ten Hag reiterated to reporters on Thursday afternoon that De Gea remains their number one as he is “really happy” with the Spaniard.

The head coach has also explained that Butland is needed to prevent potential injuries from “killing their season”.

“Yes, so Martin (Dubravka) was recalled and now to set up we need three experienced goalkeepers, we have some young ones, and they do well,” Ten Hag told reporters (via Manchester Evening News).

“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.

“What he’s (Butland) bringing, I’m really happy with David, 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, so you don’t have one.

“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 has also praised Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford. The Englishman has scored in four consecutive games to take his tally for the season to 12 in 23 outings.

According to Ten Hag, Rashford and Anthony Martial are capable of changing games in their favour with just “one moment”.

“First of all, keep the focus always and doesn’t matter if you are in the game or not in the game, keep focusing on scoring the goal,” Ten Hag added.

“A player like Marcus but others in our squad – Anthony Martial is the same – when they stay in the game, mentally, focused, 100% concentration, they have the skills and only need one moment to change the game in a positive way.

“If he develops that skill, he will score more goals and contribute to a successful season.”

Man Utd’s recent form has moved them level on points with third-placed Newcastle United.

Ten Hag’s side are also now just nine points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

He refused to be drawn on a potential title push as his side must go “game to game”.

“We have to go from game to game, think about and work on that progressing, it’s all about that as a team, first thing and then individual as individuals get better.”