Eddie Howe reveals Martin Dubravka asked to be recalled to Newcastle United from Manchester United loan
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that Martin Dubravka was the one who asked to be recalled from his loan at Manchester United in the ongoing transfer window.
The Slovakia international had signed for the Red Devils on deadline day in the summer of 2022. However, his temporary move was cut short by the Magpies in January.
Speaking to the media via The Northern Echo (h/t Manchester Evening News), Howe admitted that it was, in fact, the 33-year-old shot-stopper who wanted to return to Tyneside from Old Trafford. And the English manager was glad to see the goalkeeper return.
“Martin’s situation is that he wanted to come back, and we were delighted to welcome him back.”
Dubravka signed for Newcastle in the winter window of 2018 from Sparta Prague. He established himself as the first name on the team sheet for a few years with the Magpies.
However, the Tyneside outfit signed Nick Pope from Burnley in the summer of 2022. As a result, the Slovak saw himself go down the pecking order in Howe’s team.
Thus, the 33-year-old opted to make a move to Man United. However, the goalkeeper did not get many opportunities under Erik ten Hag either.
David de Gea has been the number one since the Dutch manager’s arrival. The 32-year-old has started in a majority of the games for the Red Devils this season.
But many had expected Dubravka to feature for the Old Trafford side in the cup competitions. But the Spaniard has been the preferred choice for Ten Hag in the Premier League as well as the Europa League.
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As a result, the Slovak started only two games for Man United in the current campaign, both in the Carabao Cup. While it is a setback for the Red Devils, one cannot blame the 33-year-old for leaving the club, considering the lack of game time he got.