Martin Dubravka has finally made his Manchester United debut after leaving Newcastle during the summer.
The Slovakian put his Toon career on hold back in September, leaving St James’ Park to secure a deadline day loan to Old Trafford.
It was a move that didn’t go down too well with Toon fans, who were unhappy to see the 33-year-old be unwilling to fight for his place on Tyneside.
Dubravka had been Eddie Howe’s number one stopper, but his position came under threat when Nick Pope arrived for £10million from Burnley.
The England international then started the first Premier League game of the season, meaning Dubravka was now going to play second fiddle. That was never going to go down well, and his agent spoke out about his client needing to be ‘number one’ somewhere.
So in that respect, a move to Man United didn’t really make sense. He was never going to replace David De Gea. However, there was at least the possibility of playing in the Europa League.
But with just one game left before the World Cup break, Dubravka has only made one appearance for his new club. He hasn’t even been a regular on the bench for Erik ten Hag.
However, he got his chance on Thursday night. Dubravka started for Man United in the League Cup, helping his side win 4-2 against Aston Villa to book their place in the next round.
And after the game, Dubravka addressed his start to life in the north west.
Dubravka comments on his first game after leaving Newcastle
After the 4-2 win, Dubravka spoke to Manchester United’s official website.
“It was a crazy game. Coming from 1-0 down, then 2-1, we showed the character today and I am glad that we turned it around and won the game,” he said.
Dubravka was then asked how much he is enjoying life at Old Trafford.
“I enjoy working with him [David De Gea],” he said.
“He is a great lad and obviously I came here to challenge him, of course, but, at the same time, I respect him as a person.
“I am happy we have created a good mood around the training ground with Tom [Heaton] and the other guys as well that I have to mention.
“I am enjoying every minute and it is good to be here.”
Toon flying without Dubravka
While Dubravka was hugely popular during his time on Tyneside, he certainly isn’t being missed right now.
Pope has taken his place, and has proven to be a massive upgrade. The 30-year-old has been an excellent signing – an absolute bargain at £10million.
Dubravka was good for Newcastle, but Pope is even better so far, and sums up the improving standards at St James’ Park.
Toon fans are enjoying every minute without Dubravka, and it seems as though the feeling his mutual. That’s his assessment of his time at Man United so far.
Ironically, he probably would have double the amount of appearances this season had he stayed at Newcastle…
Clearly a fresh start somewhere else is keeping Dubravka happy. Maybe it would have been tough to remain with the Magpies and witness the success after being replaced. Who knows.
He says he’s happy at Man United, and Newcastle fans are very happy with how things are going this season. So at least everybody wins – even if Howe’s side are higher up the division…
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