Shay Given believes Martin Dubravka thinks he can be number one at Manchester United after making the deadline day switch to Old Trafford. Newcastle United supporters have questioned the move, with David De Gea currently number one for Erik ten Hag's side.
The Slovakian leaves St. James' Park with Nick Pope currently number one after an impressive start to the campaign. Given told Sky Sports News: "He mustn't like Newcastle! He's had a brilliant career at Newcastle and made his debut against Manchester United. He was man of the match and fans were like 'who's this guy?'
"To be fair he has done well but when Nick Pope came in this summer, he probably looked and thought the writing is on the wall for me. Of course, again, Newcastle have to balance the books a bit, £2million loan fee and then a fee at the end of it. It looks, from the outside that he's definitely going to move next summer.
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"I mean Dean Henderson and David De Gea, both aren't going to stay at Manchester United next summer, there's going to be a big decision there for Erik ten Hag. Who stays and who goes?
"Henderson has started the season really well. Dubravka, I think the fans will be thankful for what he did for the football club and wish him well."
When asked what makes a good number two, Given said: "Someone with a lot of patience I think. I wasn't great as a number two, I didn't like sitting on the bench or whatever and it's a difficult position because you're training together every day and the manager can only pick one person for the spot.
"It's a really difficult position to be number two. He's decided to go to Man United and maybe he thinks he can get in the team if De Gea has a loss of form or suspension and he gets his chance at Manchester United.
"He's still ambitious to play but it's not an easy position to play as number two. I don't think anyone wants to play that role but all the top clubs, number two, number threes or even number fours."
Steve Harper famously played second fiddle to Given during their Newcastle United tenure. However the former Republic of Ireland international gave an insight into why he stayed at St. James' Park for so long.
"I think Steve stayed at Newcastle because he's a local lad as well and he was a brilliant number two," Given said. "He was a great friend and still is, he was a brilliant goalkeeper but what kept him there was probably because he was from the North East, from the area and probably didn't want to leave his family and friends.
"Steve maybe would have played regularly somewhere else but he loved the football club. Dubravka, it's a decent move for him and I think Newcastle fans will wish him well."
Manchester United have the obligation to buy Dubravka if he makes a number of appearances, however the Magpies also have a recall option inserted into the deal.
"It changes every minute this story," said Given. "I felt with the loan and then the permanent in the summer it was a done deal. Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe have probably looked at it and wanted to cover their backs a little bit in case they have an injury crisis.
"Dubravka knows the club brilliantly well and they won't want to take a risk with another goalkeeper. You've got to give Nick Pope a lot of credit for the way he's started his Newcastle career.
"He's been brilliant and the fans have taken to him. The reception he got at Anfield last night was special and it's another great signing from the club."
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