Newcastle United have said goodbye to Martin Dubravka after agreeing a loan deal to Manchester United.
The Slovakia international told Eddie Howe he had no interest in deputising for Nick Pope at 33-year-old and his agent promptly fixed up a switch to Old Trafford. And while Dubravka is not assured the number 1 spot for the Red Devils either he will be used in rotation with David De Gea in League Cup and Europa League matches.
Speaking after the move, Dubravka said: "To be joining Manchester United is a special moment in my career and I can’t wait to get started, and help the group achieve its ambitions.
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“I am joining an excellent group of goalkeepers with lots of experience in the Premier League, and I know that we will push and support each other to keep our standards at the highest levels. The chance to work with David De Gea, alongside Tom Heaton, is one that I am relishing.
“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone at Newcastle United, and especially the fans, for many great experiences over the past four and a half years. I enjoyed every minute of my time there and made amazing memories to look back on. My focus is now on helping Manchester United, and we’ll see what the future holds after I have given my all this season. I am excited to be here!”
Dubravka was an astute signing by Rafa Benitez in 2018 after making a loan move from Sparta Prague which quickly turned into for a bargain fee of just £3.6million. Newcastle will get their money back and more if Man United turn their loan into a £5million agreement.
Dubravka told Chronicle Live back on August 3: "I have ambitions to play and I am not going to hide that. "It is the same for everyone. The goalkeeper is a unique position and only one can play."
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