Ten Hag explains Butland signing

Following Martin Dubravka's recent recall by parent club Newcastle United, Erik was keen to bolster his goalkeeping department once more ahead of our busy upcoming schedule.

Joining on a short-term loan from fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, the Dutchman explained why the club needed further options in-between the sticks.

“After the recall of Martin [Dubravka], we had to react,” he told club media.

''We have so many games – we are not even halfway through the season — and we don’t want to get into a position where two goalies are injured or unavailable, it can also be a suspension. 

''Hopefully that won’t happen but we’re in a moment of the season where it’s about getting in a good position to hopefully win trophies and [get] into the Champions League positions. 

''If you miss goalies, you can’t replace them with inexperienced goalkeepers. That’s the reason, we want to avoid that. We are really happy, we have a really experience but also really skilful goalkeeper in.''

Talking to reporters yesterday afternoon, the boss told of a time at Ajax where three of his first team shot-stoppers were out, and hopes such a thing can now be avoided with the signing of the 29-year-old.

Remko Pasveer, Jay Gorter and Maarten Stekelenburg were all unavailable for the Dutch club in February of 2022, as Ten Hag recalled: ''Last year I had a situation with Ajax, we had three goalies injured. 

''And you don’t want to [get] in a situation where you have to, at the end of the season [when you are] hopefully playing for trophies, put in a young keeper. 

''You can’t expect it from the young goalkeeper but you also kill your season so  that’s what you have to be prepared for.''

With three first-team keepers now on our books, Ten Hag reiterated that David De Gea remains our number one moving forward.

''I’m really happy with David [De Gea], it’s quite clear he is our no.1 and he is performing really good. 

''But something could happen with David as well and you have to be prepared for that and not [end up] in such a moment where you only have one experienced keeper.''