Clement sent ‘desperate’ Butland message ahead of Man United v Rangers
Jack Butland will be “desperate” to return from injury to help Rangers battle against Manchester United on Thursday, according to Mark Guidi.
Philippe Clement’s side travel to Old Trafford on 23 January and while the first-choice goalkeeper has come back from injury, he has not started a game since the 2-2 draw with Motherwell in December.
This leaves the Gers boss with an extremely difficult decision against the Premier League giants, with the 31-year-old potentially returning to Manchester for the first time since leaving in June 2023.
Speaking via the Go Radio Football Show [22 January], Guidi said: “Philippe Clement will consult with the goalkeeping coach, and he’ll have a word with Jack Butland, but he’ll be desperate to play. It’s a European night back at Old Trafford, where he had a short spell.
“Liam Kelly has performed at a good level but Butland is the undisputed No.1, albeit he had a ropey spell before his injury compared to his level from last season.”
Jack Butland to return to Rangers XI v Manchester United?
Without a doubt, Butland must be the starting goalkeeper if the Light Blues are to get a positive result against the Reds Devils in their own backyard.
Kelly has done a brilliant job in his absence, now making six first-team appearances since making his return to Ibrox from Motherwell this summer, but he is the backup ‘keeper for a reason.
Some recent performances have been questionable, including back-to-back draws against Hibernian and Dundee, but the Gers head into this game on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions.
Man United, on the other hand, are at one of the lowest points in their history, and that’s even according to their own manager, so Clement and his team must strike while the iron is hot.
Butland could be part of a very exciting trip to Old Trafford, but that’s only if Clement has the guts to switch goalkeepers after Kelly’s run in the team.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd has predicted an Ibrox star to “throw his toys out the pram” after new developments.
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