Manchester United have lost their backup goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after Newcastle decided to recall him. It presents manager Erik ten Hag with a new quandary as the January transfer window opens, with the Red Devils lacking backup options for David de Gea..
In August, the Magpies signed Dubravka on a season-long loan. Ten Hag was looking for goalkeeper depth after Dean Henderson was allowed to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
The 33-year-old made only two appearances, both in the League Cup. However, he leaves a significant gap in goal quality.
“Martin Dubravka has been recalled from his season-long loan to Manchester United by his parent club Newcastle United,” the club said in a statement..
Since joining from Tyneside in the summer, the Slovakian goalkeeper has made two appearances for the Reds, both in the Carabao Cup.”
“We would like to thank Martin for his contribution during his time with our club and wish him all the best for the future,” the statement continued.
The 33-year-old made only two appearances, both in the League Cup. However, he leaves a significant gap in goal quality.
“Martin Dubravka has been recalled from his season-long loan to Manchester United by his parent club Newcastle United,” the club said in a statement. Since joining from Tyneside in the summer, the Slovakian goalkeeper has made two appearances for the Reds, both in the Carabao Cup.”
“We would like to thank Martin for his contribution during his time with our club and wish him all the best for the future,” the statement continued..
United have not decided whether to sign a new goalkeeper in January, according to the Daily Mail. They were planning to focus all of their efforts on finding a replacement for the departed Cristiano Ronaldo.
After first-choice De Gea, veteran former Burnley man Tom Heaton is now second in line. Nathan Bishop, 23, is also available if Ten Hag prefers to go with a younger player.
United signed Dubravka with the intention of keeping him through the 2022-23 season. Nick Pope, a summer arrival, had taken his place at Newcastle..
Eddie Howe, the Magpies’ manager, hinted a few months ago that Dubravka might be asked to return to St. James’ Park. “He is a fantastic goalkeeper in my opinion. I really do, and I’ll talk to Martin about it as time goes on “In October, Howe stated.
“I won’t say anything now because he, like us, is in the midst of a hectic period. There will come a time when I will sit down with him and talk about what he wants to do next. Commenting is difficult for me. I have no idea what happens at other football clubs.
“All I’ll say is that I adore Martin as a young man, and he performed admirably for us last year..
And he’s a fantastic goalkeeper, so I’ll talk to him when the time comes. Of course, the door remains open. Much depends on what Martin desires. We’ll proceed from there.”
Dubravka returns to Newcastle with Howe’s team third in the Premier League after an unexpectedly strong start to the season..
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