Jack Butland was between the sticks for Rangers for the first time in 2025 after a leg injury kept him out of the last five games.
But before that lay off there were grumbles about his form.
A mistake against St Mirren lead to a penalty and defeat for Rangers last month, and then he was let off the hook when Motherwell caught him out for a corner, only for Tony Watt’s goal to be ruled out at the end of December.
Those were just two examples of Butland making errors he simply did not make last term.
So his own goal at Old Trafford – scored by punching a corner into his own net – will only have intensified scrutiny on his position as number one goalkeeper.
Especially as Liam Kelly deputised effectively in his absence.
However, despite his mistake the former England goalkeeper also showed why he is Philippe Clement’s first choice.
He made five saves, including a brilliant one to deny Amad Diallo in the first half.
The Rangers manager seems unlikely to drop him, but it will not stop conversations continuing over his role.
“It’s a horrendous mistake and Butland knows it himself,” former Rangers winger Neil McCann said on Sportsound.
“I don’t think it’s a real flaw in his game, he’s maybe a wee bit rusty having been out injured.
“He’ll hate himself tonight. Sitting in the dressing room, he’ll blame himself.
“I don’t think he could do anything about the winner, it was smashed straight through his legs.”
