Newcastle United loanee Martin Dubravka has revealed how warmly Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed him during his first weeks at Manchester United.

"I've probably had the most communication with him all day, apart from Scott McTominay and Tom Heaton, who are right next to me in the dressing room, of course. We had the opportunity to talk to each other before training and then after training in the gym. He asked me about my family, whether I was staying in a hotel now and the usual things. He showed an interest in communication and he started first. I didn't want to look like a fan and go straight to him, but it was very pleasant to talk to him about anything."

And our last addition to our squad. Actually happy we got another goal keeper we did need another one to compete with David.

For me we have had a good window we defo got players we needed to.

Manchester United Squad Thoughts - Goalkeepers

On the 3rd September, above was the confirmed squad and numbers for the players. Now at the halfway point of the season, who has seemingly cemented themselves as Ten Haag player, and who is likely to be moved on, whether in January or the end of the season.

First of all, who would stay and who would leave is predominantly inspired by Ten Haag’s chosen formation and tactics. His formations of choice seem to be 4-3-3, with 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 as alternative formations. However, they all rely upon a hard working team who close down opposition, run more than their opponents (look at Brentford as an example), play progressive forward passing (including the defenders and goalkeeper), stretch the pitch with fullbacks and utilise wingers that cut in. Obviously there’s a lot more to it than that simple description, but there are tactical gurus much better equipped than I. Mainly, we are using these descriptions as the basis of who is staying and who will be moved on.

Goalkeeper:

David De Gea - his contract currently runs out at the end of the 2023 season, with an option for a further year. De Gea has worked hard to improve his passing and distribution to fit better within the Ten Haag tactics. He’s always been a better shot stopper, and there is a difference in that for the first time in a while, he has a competent defence in front of him. He’s likely to stay at least until the end of 2023, but if he is going to continue beyond that, it may not be as first choice, which will mean a significant wage cut from his current £375k a week. If he doesn’t cut his wages down, then I can see his contract running out at the end of 2023 and leaving on a free, with the love and appreciation of the fans. STAYING.

Martin Dubravka - not seen enough to make an informed decision, but his loan is meant to run out at the end of the season. He’s played in the EFL Cup so far, and seemed okay, but nothing impressive. He has a reputation as a Sweeper Keeper from his work at Newcastle, but at the age of 33 years old, he is unlikely to be the first choice keeper long term (unless he turns into Edwin Van Der Sar). Considering the below two and De Gea’s long term future, Dubravka may be kept as our long term back-up, our new Sergio Romero, who was essential for making sure our first choice goalkeeper never took it easy. STAYING (Back-Up)

Tom Heaton - after Henderson left, it seemed a chance for Tom Heaton, only for Dubravka to be brought in instead. The likelihood of Ten Haag to use Heaton is almost miniscule, he’s a definite third choice, and will be 37 years old when his contract expires end of this season. If Ten Haag is looking to change the mentality, I don’t see him keeping Heaton beyond this season. GONE.

Dean Henderson - currently on loan at Nottingham Forest (who are 18th), his interview earlier this season about broken promises by United and how he forced through a loan as he didn’t want Ten Haag to see him in training as he would inevitably pick him was massively insulting. Last season he got COVID at the beginning of the season, so De Gea was chosen to play and he performed brilliantly, so why would Ole drop a performing De Gea for Henderson? His petulance makes him look very immature, and when we can get better players with less of an ego, I have no interest in him coming back. Rather than have to deal with him causing issues, seems more likely he will be sold end of the season and Ten Haag can buy a goalkeeper that suits his wants and needs. GONE.

For the rest of the season, it seems likely that we will keep the goalkeeper position as is, get rid of Henderson and Heaton, and then look for a new first choice goalkeeper long term with De Gea or Dubravka as back-up depending on contracts. Long term goalkeeper replacements will probably be looked at closer to the end of the season, but the current favourite seems to be FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, a twenty-three year old with a great reputation, and a buy-out clause of £65 million, which isn’t impossible.

Personally, I’d be curious to see what would happen if we put a bid in for Marc-Andre Ter-Stegen, who at 30 years old still has several years at the top, has proven himself a sweeper-keeper in the guise that Ten Haag wants, and is an option for Barcelona who are currently desperate for money considering they have dropped down to the Europa League. Mid season swap for De Gea and Ter-Stegen maybe?

congratz to newcastle player martin dubravka for winning carbao cup!!!

both congratulations and commiserations to him!!

Sports Today - Emirates FA Cup Team of the Round – Fifth Round

Ghana Sports Today; bringing you all trending sports news as it happens. Get daily comprehensive summary of the recent sports – football news that have rocked the online scene. Check out the news below. Emirates FA Cup Team of the Round – Fifth Round Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka – Newcastle The Slovakian shot-stopper kept Newcastle in the cup and perhaps the club’s season alive with a brilliant…

View On WordPress

i’ve never slandered martin dubravka in my life actually