Jack Butland is at a crossroads after Rangers beat Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday, and could potentially be untenable soon.
The English shot-stopper started for the Gers as they faced Jose Mourinho’s team at Ulker Stadium on 6 March, winning 3-1.
Cyriel Dessers gave Barry Ferguson’s team the lead in the sixth minute before Alexander Djiku equalised for the hosts at the half-hour mark.
Just before the Turkish outfit’s goal, Butland decided to come out of the box and clear a ball, but instead, he clashed heads with Robin Propper, who was forced off for Leon Balogun.
Rangers axe on cards for Butland after mistake v Fenerbahce
Butland has been a walking mistake at the Glaswegian outfit for some time now, Jordan Campbell says.
The Athletic journalist slammed the goalkeeper for his consistently poor decision-making in recent months after the challenge on Propper.
Competition (2024/25)AppearancesClean SheetsScottish Premiership2310Europa League92Butland’s record this season.
Campbell speculates how long the Bears will stick by the 31-year-old before his position becomes untenable due to his errors.
The journalist wrote on X (6 March): “Butland has been a walking mistake for months and months now. His decision-making is shot to pieces, and he hasn’t recovered. Not sure how long Rangers can continue with him before it becomes untenable.”
Barry Ferguson not worried about Butland after win v Fenerbahce
Barry Ferguson surprisingly got the better of Jose Mourinho despite Dessers having a couple of goals ruled out in the fixture.
Vaclav Cerny restored the Light Blues’ advantage just before the break, before completing his brace in the 81st minute to seal the victory.
The Ibrox faithful will be delighted to see their team come away with a two-goal advantage as the Gers prepare for the second leg on 13 March.
Ferguson knows his team’s chances in the Europa League are slim, but the ex-midfielder must be confident after beating Fenerbahce.
Barring a total collapse at Ibrox, the Glaswegian outfit will be the favourite to qualify for the next round.
Butland will undoubtedly keep his place in the team despite questions around his ability, and the England goalkeeper redeemed himself in Turkey with some impressive saves over the course of 90 minutes.
Liam Kelly is the backup goalkeeper at the Gers, and it seems unlikely that the 29-year-old will be given opportunities in crunch ties this season.
For all intents and purposes, the former Manchester United shot-stopper must be backed until the summer, before his situation is reevaluated.
‘A walking mistake…’ – Journalist blasts Rangers star after what happened v Fenerbahce
