Martin Dubravka was once hailed as one of the best signings Newcastle had made in 10 years

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Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, BBC Sport report.

Dubravka will join on loan until the rest of the season, to compete with David de Gea.

He has fallen out of favour at Newcastle after the club signed Nick Pope in the summer. Now Dubravka is set to take on a new challenge.

Dubravka has made 130 appearances for Newcastle, first joining on loan from Slavia Prague and then signing permanently for just over £4 million.

READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23

‘One of the best signings in 10 years’

Dubravka joined Newcastle in the midst of the depressing Mike Ashley era, and upon his arrival, played a key role in ensuring they did not suffer another relegation.

The goalkeeper’s debut came against Manchester United, putting in a very impressive performance in a 2018 win, with Matt Ritchie scoring the goal in a 1-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s side.

Dubravka was man of the match, making four saves, and manager Rafael Benitez told BBC Sport: “He can buy the lottery and win today. He was composed and that gave confidence to the team.” 

Alan Shearer told Match Of The Day: “What a debut, he gave confidence to his back four, he stood tall, he was sharp off his line, he was strong in one-on-one situations. Everything they chucked at him, he handled. The save in the last minute was incredible.”

He went on to sign with Newcastle permanently, and a year later was hailed by former striker Micky Quinn, who told the Chronicle: “Martin Dubravka? He’s one of the best signings they’ve had for probably the last 10 years.”

Dubravka has often performed at a high level, one of his better games came in a draw with Wolves in 2020, where he was selected in the BBC Team of the Week. Garth Crooks explained: “The Slovakia international’s performance away to Wolves was immense. He made two world-class saves; one with his feet and the other he practically pulled the ball out of the net.”

It hasn’t all been perfect, but Alan Shearer explained to Sky Sports that Dubravka’s mentality is impressive. He said: “In the main I think he’s been a superb buy. He seems to be a very good character, not afraid to make a couple of mistakes – as all good players do. He’ll learn from those mistakes.”

He is also admired by his teammates. Allan Saint-Maximin said in 2020 that Dubravka should have won the club’s player of the season vote ahead of him.

The key aspect of the praise Dubravka has received is that he has proved he is good enough to be a starter at Premier League level.

He played a vital role in Newcastle’s run at the end of last season where Eddie Howe’s side were one of the top performing teams between January and May.

Now Manchester United are adding him in as number two, an upgrade on 36-year-old Tom Heaton. He will get opportunities in the Europa League most likely, a platform to impress.

There’s a chance Dubravka is better suited to Erik ten Hag’s preferred playing style than De Gea. It will be up to him to prove himself, and hopefully it will be an open, genuine competition.