Manchester United have confirmed that Martin Dubravka has left the club and gone back to Newcastle United. This comes after the Magpies exercised their option to call him back in January, as they need the Slovakian goalkeeper for the second half of the season.
Martin Dubravka Leaves Manchester United to Return to Newcastle United
Man United Release Statement on Dubravka Departure
The 33-year-old had only joined the Red Devils towards the end of the 2022 summer transfer window, being roped in as a backup to David de Gea. This season-long loan deal had no option to buy for Erik ten Hag. However, the Magpies had added the right to recall him in the winter transfer window if they needed him.
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Newcastle have done just that, dealing a blow to their Premier League top-4 rivals and leaving them short-handed in the goalkeeping department. Confirming the departure of the Slovakian shot-stopper, the Manchester side said in a statement: “Martin Dubravka has been recalled from his season-long loan to Manchester United by his parent club Newcastle United. We would like to thank Martin for his contribution during his time with our club, and wish him all the best for the future.”
Dubravka’s Short-Lived United Career Recapped
The goalkeeper signed as competition for De Gea after Erik ten Hag grew a bit worried about his goalkeeping department following his side’s shocking 4-0 loss to Brentford in the second matchday of the Premier League. However, he couldn’t get himself that number one role at Old Trafford and hardly troubled the Spanish goalkeeper at all.
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Dubravka made his debut for the Red Devils in their 4-2 win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup third round before the World Cup break. His second (and final) appearance came in the 2-0 win over Burnley in a Carabao Cup 4th Round clash. The 33-year-old, once hailed as an ‘amazing goalkeeper’ by Newcastle teammate Allan Saint-Maximin, did not make a Premier League or Europa League outing for Ten Hag’s side before being recalled.
