Eddie Howe to hold talks with Manchester United loanee Martin Dubravka with the door still open at Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to hold conversations with Martin Dubravka as the “door is still open” for a return from Manchester United. The Slovakia international is currently on loan with the Red Devils.
The Old Trafford side signed the 33-year-old on transfer deadline day on a temporary deal for the 2022/23 campaign. And the shot-stopper was expected to be the backup to David de Gea and feature in the European and domestic cup competitions.
However, the Spaniard has staked his claim to the number one spot and Dubravka has had to settle for a place on the bench. He has not featured for Man United until now. And speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Howe revealed a return to the Magpies is not ruled out for the Slovak.
“I think he is an outstanding goalkeeper. I really do and I will have a chat with Martin as time progresses.
“All I will say is I love Martin as a lad, he did brilliantly for us last year. And he is an outstanding goalkeeper and I will have a chat with him at the right time. Of course yeah the door is still open. A lot depends on what Martin wants. We will take it from there.”
The 33-year-old signed for Newcastle in January 2018 from Sparta Prague and immediately made a place for himself in the side from northeast England.
Dubravka was the first choice for most of his time with the Toons. In the previous campaign, the Slovak played 27 times for the Magpies in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets.
However, with the arrival of Nick Pope at St James’ Park, the 33-year-old fell down in the pecking order. The former Burnley shot-stopper’s arrival seemingly compelled him to make his way to Manchester.
Unfortunately, things have not been any better for Dubravka at the Old Trafford side. De Gea’s performances have meant that Erik ten Hag has stuck with the 31-year-old in between the sticks.
The Spaniard had a shaky start to the new season against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. However, since then, he has been inspirational and has made some clutch saves.
Over the course of the last few weeks, some fans have also noticed an improvement in De Gea’s distribution. The Spaniard’s long ball started the move for Alejandro Garnacho’s goal against Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday (3 November).
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Thus, it will evidently be challenging for Dubravka to get a lot of game time under the Dutch manager. However, it remains to be seen whether the Slovak makes his United debut in the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa on 11 November.
