‘I’d NEVER move to be No. 2’ – Man United new boy Jack Butland’s deleted tweet comes back to haunt him after Crystal Palace transfer

Jack Butland once claimed he would never move clubs simply to become a back-up goalkeeper.

However, he has appeared to do precisely that after leaving Crystal Palace to join Manchester United on loan.

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However, a tweet, posted by him in 2017, has re-emerged in which replied to a fan insisting that he would never change clubs to sit on the bench.

It has since been deleted. United moved quickly in finding a back-up to David de Gea after Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka, who joined United in the summer on loan, following a goalkeeping injury crisis.

And Butland had been targeted by the club before he broke his arm, ironically against United in a pre-season friendly saving a shot from Anthony Martial.

Butland has joined United on loan until the end of the season without a buy option - though his contract at Palace is set to expire in the summer anyway.

However, the chances of him dislodging De Gea for the main jersey between the sticks at Old Trafford is minimal, considering the form that the Spaniard has shown this season.

In fairness to the 29-year-old, he has not had much top-flight action since joining the Eagles in 2020, making just 10 appearances in the Premier League.

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The signing of Sam Johnstone in the summer further pushed the Bristol-born stopper down the pecking order at Selhurst Park while injuries have plagued him over his career.

Upon signing for the Red Devils, Butland said: "This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent.

"I've played against David de Gea and represented England alongside Tom Heaton; they are top-class keepers, and I am relishing the opportunity to compete alongside and support them as teammates.

"There is a lot that this group can achieve this season and I'm excited to play my part in helping everyone to reach these ambitions."

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Butland had been tipped as a potential superstar while at Birmingham but failed to live up to the promise, making 87 top-flight appearances across his career to date.

United football director John Murtough said: "Jack is an excellent goalkeeper with great experience throughout his career. His mentality and personality will be a real asset to our superb group of goalkeepers and the whole squad."

The Red Devils are fourth in the Premier League and have high hopes of finishing in the top four while their recent form have some fans dreaming of a potential title surge.

Erik ten Hag's men sit nine points behind top-placed Arsenal after four wins on the bounce while a crucial week awaits as they face Manchester City and then the Gunners next in the league.