Anthony Martial 'is to blame' for Manchester United not signing Butland sooner

Jack Butland has been confirmed as a Manchester United until the end of the Premier League season, but it would have happened earlier, if not for his new teammate.

In the summer, there was talk about David de Gea's future at United, with the Spanish goalkeeper's passing one issue with Erik ten Hag's style of play.

Dean Henderson went out on loan to Nottingham Forest, and instantly made some United fans question that decision, and Ten Hag brought in Martin Dubravka as back up.

Some thought the Newcastle United keeper might have even been able to push De Gea for the number one spot but his Carabao Cup performance against Burnley last month proved that would never be the case.

United fans didn't want him to play for the team again following that performance and they didn't need to worry for long, with Newcastle choosing to recall the 33-year-old.

That left Ten Hag with just Tom Heaton as cover for De Gea, who could yet leave Old Trafford in the summer, when his contract expires.

They have now taken Butland on loan from Crystal Palace but, according to the Athletic, the club actually wanted him last summer.

The report says Butland was always their first choice to be back up to De Gea, and a move was imminent, but the keeper then got injured.

That was from saving a shot from Anthony Martial, during a preseason friendly between the two teams in Australia, when the Frenchman was in some imperious form.

Speaking about the move, Ten Hag said, "What he is bringing. I am really happy. We have David. It is quite clear he is our number one.

"But something can happen and we have to prepare for that.

"Martin was recalled and how we are set up we need a squad with three goalkeepers. We have so many games so you need three good goalies in training."

De Gea's contract will end come the climax of the current campaign and there has been talk that United could look to replace him.

However, recently there's also been talk that the former Atletico Madrid number one will agree to cut his wages down and sign a new deal.

On his move, Butland said, "This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent. I’m really looking forward to working with an unbelievable goalkeeping group, supporting each other every day to create the best training and playing environment for the team.

"I’ve played against David de Gea and represented England alongside Tom Heaton; they are top-class ‘keepers, and I am relishing the opportunity to compete alongside and support them as teammates.

"There is a lot that this group can achieve this season and I’m excited to play my part in helping everyone to reach these ambitions."

There is no clause for United to turn the move into a permanent one once the temporary deal is over.