Man Utd SHOCK fans with 'double wage' for England international

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 18 May 2023 11:59 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are ready to go all out to beat Rangers to the signing of goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to a report.

Rangers are seeking the England international goalkeeper to bolster their squad next season with Allan McGregor, their long-time first choice, set to leave the club at the end of his contract.

Butland, who will also be a free agent this summer, has emerged as manager Michael Beale’s leading choice to take the gloves at Ibrox – but Man Utd have thrown an unexpected spanner in the works.

According to the Scottish Sun, the Red Devils are ready to double the contract offer that the Gers have presented to the 30-year-old.

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Man Utd's Butland offer not as crazy as it seems

Butland has spent the second half of the season at Manchester United on loan from Crystal Palace, where he had fallen out of favour. He has not featured at all under Erik ten Hag, with David de Gea firmly installed as first-choice.

Beyond his lack of action at Old Trafford, though, the report is surprising given that he would likely be relegated to United’s third in line for the No.1 spot. Ten Hag is reportedly seeking a goalkeeper to at least push De Gea in that role – something that Butland does not appear capable of doing, despite being capped by England.

United fans concerned about the club frittering money on Butland should have their fears allayed somewhat by the fact that the wages Rangers are offering the former Birmingham City keeper will be significantly lower than the going rate they are used to in the Premier League.

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The average first-team wage at Rangers is thought to be around £20,000 per week, which is substantially smaller than those on offer at Man Utd, who would not be breaking the bank by their standards to offer Butland more.

Furthermore, United need eight English players in their 25-man Premier League squad, and Butland as third-choice keeper would count towards that allocation.

Nevertheless, the situation has got fans spooked.