'I didn't know' - Newcastle United star's honest reaction to Man Utd transfer agreement

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has no regrets over his decision to join Manchester United on loan at the start of last season.

The Slovakian pushed for a move to Old Trafford in the same summer Newcastle signed Nick Pope from Burnley. The agreement included an option to buy but Dubravka cut short his loan spell and was recalled by the Magpies in January having made just two appearances.

With Pope firmly establishing himself as the United's No.1, Dubravka had been restricted to just four appearances since returning before the England international dislocated his shoulder earlier this month.

Pope has undergone surgery and will be sidelined until April. Dubravka has started every game since (five) as he looks to silence those who believe Newcastle need to sign a goalkeeper in January.

Asked if he thought he'd be back at Newcastle and playing again, Dubravka said: "I didn't know. I said many times I only went there because it was a bigger chance for me to play. I can understand why some of the fans might think I jumped but I felt at the time I needed to go there.

"I don't regret any of my decision. I learned a lot from that move but it's good to be back. I've spent five and half years here, I feel at home. The city and club means something to me, and my son was born here so it's a special connection for me.

"It's good to be on the pitch again."

The 34-year-old conceded nine goals in three games in consecutive defeats to Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan before keeping a clean sheet in Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham at St James' Park.

Dubravka was then moments away from recording a second clean sheet in four days at Chelsea in midweek but for Kieran Trippier's mistake.

He is expected to start when Newcastle, who have 11 players out injured, travel to Luton Town tomorrow.

"It is not the best period of our season because we have so many injured players," said Dubravka. "But on the other side, you have to have a strong bench because it is not easy to step up at the moment when the team needs you.

"So many players were just sitting on the bench, me included, and all of a sudden you have to be ready for the matches. Obviously I'm not going to complain that I'm on the pitch, I wanted to be there.

"I've had to be patient and now is the time for me to show I deserve a chance. Hopefully, we can win some matches. It's not easy because we have so many quality players injured but you have to be ready.

"It's been a long time since I've been playing on a regular basis. I have to work on myself, keep going and train well."