Manchester United Find De Gea's Backup After Dubravka's Exit

• Manchester United have acquired Jack Butland on loan for the remainder of the season
• The Red Devils lost Martin Dubravka, whose loan was ended early by Newcastle United
• Butland is yet to play a game this season for Crystal Palace and will be eager for action

Manchester United have finally found a replacement for Martin Dubravka, as the club confirmed the signing of Jack Butland on loan.

Erik ten Hag was in urgent need of a number two to act as back-up for David De Gea, after the abrupt ending to Martin Dubravka’s loan spell.

29-year-old Butland has nine England caps and expressed delight in joining the Red Devils, who are outsiders in the title race this season.

"This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent," he said as quoted by the BBC.

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Butland has a decent reputation as a goalkeeper, and was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He has also featured 87 times in the Premier League.

Ten Hag on Butland signing

United also have Tom Heaton in their goalkeeping hierarchy, but still decided to go for Butland to act as De Gea’s backup.

Red Devils boss ten Hag recently spoke to the Manchester United website, where he explained a string of games across different competitions motivated the decision to acquire another goalkeeper.

''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.”

Man United are still in all competitions and will face Everton in the FA Cup on Friday, before an EFL Cup quarter-final clash against Charlton Athletic on January 10.

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Chelsea legend Vialli passes away

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on the tragic passing of legendary ex-Chelsea and Juventus striker, Gianluca Vialli.

Vialli was first diagnosed with cancer in 2017, but recovered fully in 2020. However, he came out of remission last year and his condition quickly deteriorated.

He built his career during his time at Sampdoria, where he won the Serie A title, the UEFA Cup and three Italian cups. Vialli also played for Juventus and won the Champions League there.