Manchester United’s summer signings have had an impressive success rate so far. Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro have all won player of the month awards.
Tyrell Malacia has been a bright spark so far too, while Antony has also flashed quality and made an impact with three Premier League goals.
The odd man out is Martin Dubravka, at risk of already becoming a forgotten man, such is the life of a back-up goalkeeper.
This week he could finally step into the Old Trafford spotlight and announce himself as a Manchester United player.
Martin Dubravka should finally make Manchester United debut
This Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa provides an opportunity for Erik ten Hag to rotate his squad.
There won’t be wholesale changes, United want to win the competition, and we don’t expect too many youngsters to be involved in the starting line-up, but there will be some rotation, with tiredness in the squad evident in the defeat to Aston Villa.
David de Gea has been excellent lately, but this game is a good chance to let Dubravka don the Manchester United gloves for the first time, to make his debut under the light at Old Trafford.
You never know when a goalkeeper will be needed. Let’s say De Gea strained a muscle in the warm-up against Barcelona next February. Erik ten Hag wouldn’t want to be calling on a Dubravka who has never played for the club before.
Giving the Slovakian goalkeeper his debut in this cup tie, is laying the groundwork for a competent emergency appearance in a bigger game, if required.
Dubravka is experienced enough not to be phased by playing for United, his Premier League debut was against the Red Devils, and he has international experience too – but it is better not to leave these things to chance, and for Ten Hag to give him a debut on his terms, rather than being pushed into it unexpectedly.
Dubravka is likely to have a strong defence in front of him if he starts, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as a pairing, and Lisandro Martinez given a rest.
When the goalkeeper signed on loan, he probably would have hoped to make his debut in one of the six Europa League group stage games.
Unfortunately this did not happen, with David de Gea deemed too important to leave out in these games. The Carabao Cup should provide the opportunity to rotate which Dubravka has been waiting for.
A win will see United progress, and Dubravka potentially blessed with further chances in the competition. As Dean Henderson discovered last season, an early exit could kill off his chances of game time.
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