Former Manchester United Goalkeeper Jack Butland Pursues Title Success After Premier League Exit
Jack Butland, a former backup goalkeeper for Manchester United, is now on the verge of securing league championship glory after making the decision to depart the Premier League. Butland, who spent the latter half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Old Trafford from Crystal Palace, could cap off a remarkable career resurgence by helping Rangers clinch the Scottish Premiership title.
A Frustrating Spell at Manchester United
During his six-month stint at Manchester United, Butland played second fiddle to the long-serving David de Gea, failing to make a single appearance despite being part of the squad that lifted the 2023 FA Cup. With de Gea eventually released at the season's end, manager Erik ten Hag opted to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan, a move that later proved costly for the club.
Desperate for regular first-team action, Butland joined Rangers permanently in the summer of 2023 following the expiration of his Crystal Palace contract. However, some observers believed he deserved an opportunity to establish himself as United's number one.
High Praise from Former Rangers Star
Among those advocating for Butland was former Rangers defender John Brown, who played for the Glasgow club between 1988 and 1997. In 2024, Brown expressed his admiration for the goalkeeper, stating he was surprised Butland hadn't received more minutes in English football.
"I was always a fan of Butland," Brown remarked. "When I look at the Premier League, there are a lot of goalkeepers down there that I'd say Jack Butland is better than. He was at Manchester United and for me their first-choice goalkeeper... If I was going for a steady keeper, then Jack Butland would be my choice."
Brown also backed the 32-year-old to extend his career into his forties, noting: "He probably has another 10 years at the top because of the years he's missed."
Butland's Reasoning for Leaving English Football
Explaining his decision to quit the Premier League, Butland highlighted the importance of playing regularly. "As much as I enjoyed Palace and as good as United was, I missed playing. And that's important to me," he told The Scotsman.
"All right, 'Could you be at United?' Well, yes, but what would the rest of my career look like? That was important to me. I wanted 30 onwards to be something I look back on as a successful period and not one that drifted away."
Title Charge with Rangers Under Danny Rohl
Since joining Rangers, Butland has secured the first-team football he craved, playing a pivotal role in the club's Scottish Premiership title challenge under manager Danny Rohl, who replaced the unpopular Russell Martin in October 2025. Despite the occasional error, such as a misplaced clearance that led to a goal in a recent 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock, Butland has been a key figure between the posts.
Rangers are set to host league leaders Hearts in a crucial title showdown on Sunday, with Butland contracted to the club until the summer of 2027. His performances have helped position Rangers as serious contenders for the championship.
Manchester United's Goalkeeping Situation Resolved
Meanwhile, Manchester United appear to have addressed their goalkeeping issues. Senne Lammens, signed for £18 million last summer, has provided a reassuring presence, while Onana is currently on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor. This marks a significant turnaround from the uncertainty that plagued the position during Butland's time at the club.
Butland's journey from Old Trafford backup to potential title-winner with Rangers underscores the value of regular playing time and the difficult decisions players must make to revitalize their careers. As the Scottish Premiership race heats up, his choice to leave the Premier League could soon be vindicated with silverware.
