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Rob DawsonReporter
Erik ten Hag has confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Jack Butland, as back-up to first-choice David de Gea.
Butland is set to arrive from Crystal Palace after Newcastle United recalled Martin Dubravka from his season-long loan at Old Trafford.
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Asked about Butland’s potential arrival, Ten Hag told a news conference on Thursday: “Martin has been called up and we need three experienced goalkeepers.
“I’m really happy with David. It’s pretty clear he’s No. 1. He’s a really good performer but there’s always something that can happen with David as well and you have to be prepared for that to not have one.”
Sources have told ESPN that United will remain in the market for a striker in January following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Joao FelixOlivier Giroud, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Memphis Depay and W Alvaro Morata Among the favourites, however, as things stand, Ten Hag operates with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as well-known strikers in his squad.
“We always have to look for that [new signings] And we push players because good isn’t good enough.”
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“We have to push each other and when there are opportunities, the club has to be ready for that. My main focus is to improve the team.”
United face Everton at Old Trafford on Friday in the FA Cup third round as they look to end their trophy wait dating back to 2017 (Live on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET).
Ten Hag are still in the Carabao Cup and Europa League and have made their way into the top four after a run of four straight victories.
“We are in a good position,” Ten Hag said. “We are where we want to be but with that, we go from game to game.
“We play in many competitions and the focus is from game to game. We don’t think much about the future”.
