The 29-year-old goalkeeper has completed a loan move to Manchester United from Crystal Palace and will spend the rest of the season at Old Trafford.
Manchester United do not have an option to buy in the loan agreement but Erik ten Hag was keen on getting Butland once Martin Dubravka returned to Newcastle.
But it has been claimed that the England goalkeeper could have moved to Old Trafford last summer as well.
In fact, Butland was the top target for Manchester United last summer when they were looking to bring in a backup to De Gea.
Dean Henderson joined Nottingham Forest on loan and Manchester United scouts identified the Crystal Palace star as the first-choice target.
Manchester United were expecting to make a move but the goalkeeper broke his hand and they had to change directions.
Dubravka was brought in but Manchester United immediately made a move for Butland this month once Newcastle recalled the Slovakian.
The 29-year-old is yet to play this season but will hope to make an impression during his short stint at Old Trafford.
