Dubravka reveals national pride

United were able to add a new national flag to those on display above the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand at Old Trafford when Dubravka joined us on loan for the season from Newcastle United in September.

After patiently waiting in the wings to make an appearance, the 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes in November’s 4-2 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Aston Villa.

He also captained the Reds during the recent friendly defeat by the same scoreline to Cadiz in Spain and, during that trip, Dubravka recalled how his move to Manchester caused a splash back in his homeland.

“It is a big deal,” Dubravka told club media.

“When I signed, I got so many calls, so many messages, which were difficult for me to answer because obviously I just want to be focused on my job, but I’m glad I could make history.

“To be the first Slovakian to represent my country at Manchester United, is a big thing for me.”

Dubravka impressed on his Reds bow last month and could do little about both Villa goals.

Ollie Watkins gave the visitors the lead with an excellent lofted finish just after the break, with the Midlanders’ second arriving via an unfortunate deflection off Diogo Dalot, following Anthony Martial’s equaliser.

Cheered on by a crowd enjoying their last Theatre of Dreams experience for six weeks, United roared back, eventually progressing with a little breathing space through goals from Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay.

“It was a great experience, I’d been waiting a long time for the opportunity to play,” Martin added, as thoughts now turn to Wednesday night's fourth-round clash with Burnley.

“I’m glad that we won that game, and we are in another round, so another game is coming very soon and we have to be ready for that.

“It was [an entertaining game], for the fans especially. The second half was amazing, I hope they enjoyed it and, at the end, we could celebrate together.

“It was amazing. It wasn’t an easy game against a good opponent, but I’m glad we could have a little revenge because we played against them a few days before and we lost [3-1 in the Premier League], so it was a good reaction.”

After several visits to M16 as an opposition player, Dubravka was glad to have the home fans fully behind him – an experience he’ll be hoping to repeat soon as United continue to fight on all four fronts this season.

“I’ve played at Old Trafford before as an away player, so I always knew what to expect but obviously you represent this club now and you realise the fans from a different perspective.

“I really enjoyed that and I’m glad we could give something back, as they’ve been brilliant.”