‘Bizarre’ loan move goes on as Dubravka stays on bench
MARTIN Dubravka will not be involved against his parent club this weekend with Newcastle heading to Old Trafford looking to make a statement.
The on-loan Manchester United shot stopper is yet to make a competitive bow for the Red Devils, after his summer switch.
Erik ten Hag’s side have the obligation to buy the Slovakian if he makes a certain number of Premier League appearances, but that looks unlikely.
Dubravka’s decision to leave St James’ Park, rather than compete with Nick Pope to be number one, raised some eyebrows.
The ever-present shot stopper has been a reliable figure for the Magpies, since joining the club from Sparta Prague in 2018.
The 33-year-old has, as of yet, been unable to usurp David De Gea as Man United’s number one, only raising further questions about his decision to trade one bench for another.
The Sunday Sun spoke with Manchester United reporter for the Manchester Evening News, Steven Railston, for an insight into how Dubravka has got on.
He said: “Martin Dubravka was expected to feature in domestic cup competitions and some Europa League fixtures, but ten Hag has continued to select David de Gea in Europe instead.
“Ten Hag has preferred to select a settled starting XI, which might explain that decision, and Dubravka also sustained an injury at the end of September, which obviously has not helped.
“Man United paid a £2m loan fee and they have an obligation to buy for £6m if he plays a fixed number of Premier League games, but I suspect that won’t be triggered.
“It is turning into a bizarre loan move, considering he’s not played.”