Manchester United Sign Newcastle Keeper Martin Dubravka on Loan

Manchester United have signed Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on loan for the 2022/23 season. The Red Devils have finally found a solution to their goalkeeper search after reaching an agreement with the Magpies for the transfer of the Slovakian goalkeeper, who is set to join on loan with the option to buy next season.

The Red Devils look to have found their new back-up to David de Gea. The 33-year-old shot-stopper will become the club’s sixth summer signing, following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Antony.

Martin Dubravka, Newcastle United, Manchester United — Image Obtained Via Skysports

Martin Dubravka had been pushed to the bench at Newcastle following the arrival of Nick Pope and wasn’t in the squad for the Wolves game. United had looked at a number of other goalkeepers including Yann Sommer, Kevin Trapp and Daniel Bachmann.

Player Profile

After a successful loan spell at Newcastle, he was signed from Sparta Prague for around €5 million in the summer of 2018. The Slovakian keeper has made 130 appearances for the club (stats via transfermarkt). He will begin his spell at Old Trafford as second-choice goalkeeper behind De Gea.

Martin Dubravka has been terrific when playing against Manchester United and made a string of excellent saves to prevent Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial last season. The 33-year-old is a superb shot-stopper, but he is not comfortable with the ball at his feet and he’s often caught glued to his line, similar to the Spaniard.

Official, confirmed. Martin Dubravka joins Manchester United on loan with buy option from Newcastle — he’s the new second goalkeeper. 🚨🔴 #MUFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/VncoZaWrLe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022

Although he is strong when claiming crosses, he would rarely play out of his box for the Magpies and his distribution was not his strength. But such was his importance, the goalkeeper played every minute of Newcastle’s 2018/19 and 2019/20 league campaigns and he played a key role in maintaining the side’s top-flight status during the Mike Ashley era.

Verdict

De Gea’s mistakes cost United at Brentford last month and there are also doubts about whether he is a good fit for Erik ten Hag’s style of play. From there, it’s down to the Slovakian. Manchester United will give Martin Dubravka the Europa League and Carabao Cup initial round games as a platform to show his quality, and from that, the Dutch manager will assess him.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper has to demonstrate that he is a better fit for Ten Hag’s style of play than De Gea. If he can do so, he may get opportunities in the Premier League, especially in the second half of the season. The Dutchman has already shown he is not afraid to make tough decisions, dropping captain Harry Maguire and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spaniard also has no guarantees anymore.

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