Dubravka hails ‘unbelievable’ De Gea and says he has made him feel welcome

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Manchester United back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was in the stands on Sunday as the Red Devils took on his parent club Newcastle United.

Dubravka has not played a game since signing for the Red Devils and continues to wait for an opportunity.

Strong recent form from David de Gea has solidified the number one’s starting spot and he made his 500th Red Devils appearance at the weekend.

Dubravka spoke to the club website to talk about the respect he has for the Manchester United mainstay.

He also talked up the warm welcome he has received from De Gea, despite coming in to challenge for his spot.

Dubravka hails De Gea

Dubravka explained: “To have that achievement, to play 500 games, is a big achievement. To play in this level, under so much pressure, so credit to him.

“Unbelievable and it’s good to be in the same dressing room with him, share the same dressing room, and he’s a funny guy as well – all the lads create a really good environment, so this is perfect.

“He’s a very open guy. He welcomed [me] in a very nice way, a supportive way as well. Couldn’t be better.”

De Gea is United’s 11th highest appearance maker of all time and is closing in on Alex Stepney (7th) as the highest among goalkeepers.

De Gea has improved under Ten Hag

Dubravka was signed on transfer deadline day with Manchester United stepping up the chase for an alternative goalkeeper after the 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

De Gea made a terrible error in this defeat and looked uncomfortable playing the ball out from the back.

Since then there has been a gradual improvement in his game, and he has been in good form, with a particularly strong all round performance in the recent win at Everton.

Dubravka is not getting a look in, even in Europa League games, although it’s possible he could get a chance in the EFL Cup game against Aston Villa next month.

It’s unclear whether the Slovakian’s arrival has played a part in De Gea looking sharper and refocused, or whether it is simply Erik ten Hag’s coaching, but added competition usually helps players to improve.

A question mark still surrounds De Gea’s long-term future, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.