Disastrous on-pitch performances by Manchester United players last season required a drastic change and it came in the form of new manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has brought about quite a few noticeable changes, including developing a clear pattern of play and focusing on instilling discipline throughout the group, which has resulted in a much more harmonious squad.
His identification of talent also paid off in the transfer market, as United brought in five players on permanent contracts and one on loan, helping to plug some holes in the squad, while adding quality throughout the first team. .
The loan signing was curious as Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United joined as backup goalkeeper after Dean Henderson’s departure on loan.
United looking for a goalkeeper
The Dutch boss saw the move as a ploy to put more pressure on current incumbent David de Gea. The Spaniard’s shot-stopping ability was never in doubt, but Ten Hag’s demands on a goalkeeper are slightly different.
He prefers his goalkeeper to be proficient with the ball at his feet and have the ability to step off the line and stifle attacks when necessary.
However, these two modern traits are missing from the Spaniard’s arsenal and that is why the former Ajax boss has insisted on looking for a new number 1 in the long term.
Manchester United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will not extend his loan beyond this season. Dubravka joined Manchester United during the summer transfer window to play a supporting role behind David De Gea. The Newcastle loan has yet to feature in the Premier League. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/oY2VNaJxjB
– The Transfer Exchange Show (@TheTransferEx) December 8, 2022
Players like Jan Oblak, Odysseas Vlachodimos and Yann Sommer have been mentioned as possible targets with the Reds still hesitating about activating the one-year extension clause in De Gea’s contract.
If Dubravka could have impressed during his loan spell, there was a chance he could remain No. 2 in future campaigns, regardless of who the club brought in.
ESPN’s Rob Dawson has now reported that “Dubravka is expected to return to Newcastle at the end of the campaign having made just one first-team appearance at Old Trafford”.
Dubravka has not met the requirements
The report mentions that the 20-time English champions are not seeking a permanent deal nor do they have any interest in extending their initial deal.
Sommer seems to be the preferred option right now according to ESPN.
It has not been the type of period that Dubravka would have wanted. He conceded two goals in his United debut against Aston Villa in the EFL Cup. The Slovakian has not been able to dislodge De Gea either, despite his obvious shortcomings.
The 33-year-old conceded four goals last night against La Liga relegation candidates Cádiz in another disappointing outing for the substitute goalkeeper.
Dubravka initially left the Magpies after they signed Nick Pope and it looks like a permanent transfer away from Tyneside could be his best chance of becoming No. 1 at some other club.
