“Four year deal signed” – Fabrizio Romano confirms Manchester United player is leaving
Erik ten Hag’s quest to win two trophies in his maiden season at Manchester United ended disappointingly, as his players stood on the pitch and watched Manchester City lift the FA Cup trophy following their 2-1 win over the weekend.
While there’s a lot to be learned for Ten Hag and his players from the result against their noisy neighbours, the biggest take out was for the men in suits: there’s a real need for a decisive and big transfer window if they want to go toe-to-toe with City next season.
As far as outlay is concerned, although there remains uncertainty over the transfer budget available to Ten Hag due to the club’s ongoing sale process, United have opened talks with Chelsea for midfielder Mason Mount.
There’s also a lack of decisiveness with regard to the position of certain stars at Carrington.
David de Gea’s inability with the ball at his feet once again stifled United’s game-plan against City. When asked about his goalkeeper’s distribution, the Dutch coach said: “Say it like this, we are in the right direction but there are issues in the game we have to improve, definitely, if we want to make next step and win trophies.”
It is understood the Red Devils are in the market for a goalkeeper who is more comfortable in possession. But at the same time, United intend to hand the 32-year-old a new contract, albeit with no assurances over his place between the sticks.
For now, United have decided to make changes in the goalkeeping department by deciding against extending Jack Butland’s stay at the club. The Englishman who moved to Old Trafford in January on loan from Crystal Palace is set for new pastures.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Butland has signed a four-year deal with Rangers. He leaves United without any appearances under his belt. The 30-year-old warmed the bench at Wembley on Saturday. Meanwhile, City’s second-choice goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega delivered a commendable performance and showed he might well be an upgrade on the Manchester United Number 1.