Man Utd could be powerless to stop summer signing leaving in January

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 5 Nov 2022 10:38 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United conducted an ambitious summer transfer window that saw them splash out on a number of leading players who have helped to transform their fortunes under new manager Erik ten Hag.

While the majority of these stars have made a positive impression in the first team, either providing an immediate injection of quality, like Casemiro and Antony, or giving the club vital depth, in the form of Tyrell Malacia.

There has been one notable exception to this rule: Martin Dubravka.

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The Slovakia international goalkeeper arrived on loan at Man Utd from Newcastle but has yet to make a single appearance for the club. Ten Hag has given No.1 pick David de Gea all the game time because he feels the Spaniard needs the opportunity to get used to the new playing style – and with his contract up in June 2023, this is particularly important.

Dubravka to make Newcastle return?

Dubravka, then, has been left to kick his heels on the bench or even the sidelines, and it has emerged that consequently Man Utd could see the 33-year-old recalled by Newcastle in the January transfer window. The Magpies have a clause in his deal that would allow them to make such a call, The Chronicle reports.

“I think he is an outstanding goalkeeper. I really do and I will have a chat with Martin as time progresses,” Howe said. “I won’t speak now as he is in the middle of a busy period as we are. There will be a time when I will sit down with him and have a chat and see what he wants to do next.

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“Of course the door is still open. A lot depends on what Martin wants. We will take it from there.”

Although Eddie Howe has talked up the goalkeeper, who played a key role in the Magpies’ successful fight against relegation last season, the prospects of them doing this are slim.

Newcastle signed Nick Pope in the summer, and with the England international shot-stopper in strong form, they have little to gain by recalling Dubravka at this point, though it appears inevitable that he will return to St James’ Park at the end of the season.