Martin Dubravka admits it can be difficult returning from a long absence after a shaky performance for Manchester United in their Carabao Cup win over Burnley. The Red Devils secured a 2-0 win to progress to the last eight as the Newcastle United loanee earned a rare start at Old Trafford.
Dubravka kept a clean sheet but almost cost his side a goal on two occasions. The Slovakian first failed to deal with a cross, before palming the ball back towards his own goal, forcing Casemiro to clear the danger off the line.
Moments later the Brazilian midfielder played a back-pass to Dubravka only to see the ball run under the goalkeeper's foot and trickle towards his own goal. Speaking after the game, the Magpies loanee hints it can be difficult when spending periods of time on the sidelines.
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“I think tonight we did what we had to do and that is to win the game," he told MUTV. "Some part of the game was great, some was not, but it was important that we keep a clean sheet and we won the game.
“Sometimes it is difficult, especially when you do not play that long. But it was important for us that we won and some parts of the game was very good. But now we have to build from this and the clean sheet is a bonus so I am happy for that one.”
Dubravka has struggled for game time at Manchester United after departing Tyneside following Nick Pope's arrival. The 33-year-old can be recalled in January but is expected to remain away from St James' Park until the end of the season.
Dubravka made history after joining Erik ten Hag's side, becoming the first Slovakian to play for Man United. “It is a big deal. When I signed, I got so many calls, so many messages, which were difficult for me to answer because obviously I just want to be focused on my job, but I’m glad I could make history. To be the first Slovakian to represent my country at Manchester United, is a big thing for me.”
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