Jack Butland has revealed that he had no hesitation in turning down a permanent contract offer from his childhood club, Manchester United, in order to join Rangers.
The goalkeeper arrived at United on loan in January along with two other players. However, despite not making any appearances for the Red Devils and being limited to a place on the bench, Butland opted for a move to Rangers instead.
Butland’s loan spell with the club came to an end following the Red Devils’ loss to Manchester City at Wembley. Shortly thereafter, it was officially announced that Butland would be joining Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
The goalkeeper is anticipated to be the first-choice option at Ibrox and he admitted that the opportunity for consistent playing time made the decision to join Rangers an easy one.
While talking to Football Scotland, the keeper said:
“It wasn’t difficult. Joining Manchester United was a great opportunity to join a club I supported as a kid and learn from the best and things like that but you quickly get to a point where you realise just how much you miss playing yourself and how much you miss the winning feeling.”
“Rangers had always been there for a few years but it never quite got to a point where I had a decision to make and this summer it got to that point.”
🗣️ "It wasn't a difficult decision to make. [Rangers is] an incredible club to join!"
Jack Butland speaks for the first time since joining Rangers on a free transfer 🔵🏴 pic.twitter.com/L8UUlL8xn8
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) July 4, 2023
Butland’s departure from United could be the start of a series of goalkeeper exits, as both David De Gea’s contract expired recently and Dean Henderson is expected to make a permanent move to Nottingham Forest.
Manager Erik ten Hag is actively seeking a new goalkeeper for the club and has expressed interest in signing Inter Milan’s Andre Onana and Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow.
Onana is the top priority for the Dutch boss and the club is actively pursuing a move for the 27-year-old shot-stopper. Inter Milan CEO Beppe Moratta has revealed that United have expressed an interest. However, no official bid has been made until now.
The Red Devils are expected to submit a first bid for the Cameroonian star and it could mark the end of De Gea’s 12 years tenure at Old Trafford.
