Manchester United completed their first season signing after goalkeeper Jack Butland joined them on a six-month loan from Crystal Palace.

“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Jack Butland has joined the club on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the 2022/23 season,” the club’s statement said.

The 29-year-old passed his medical tests in Manchester on Thursday and will be at Old Trafford until the end of the season.

Butland’s acquisition became necessary after Martin Dúbravka was abruptly recalled by Newcastle United in the middle of a season-long loan with the Red Devils, creating a vacuum in the goalkeeping department.

The former England international, who has been on the radar of United as a good second-choice goalkeeper for the club since last summer, is expected to provide competitive backup options for David de Gea and Tom Heaton. 

“What he is bringing. I am really happy. We have David. It is quite clear he is our number one,” said Erik ten Hag said of Butland’s arrival. “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.”