The Slovakian international joined United on transfer deadline day in January, linking up with Rafa Benítez’s side until the end of the season.
Dúbravka announced his arrival with a superb display on his debut in the 1-0 win over Manchester United last month, and has since established himself as the Magpies’ first choice between the sticks.
And ahead of the visit of the Terriers, the 29-year-old sat down for an exclusive, in-depth interview in which – among many topics, including the late Pavel Srníček – he discussed that game.
“You need to find a way to show yourself, to the fans, the club. But I didn’t think of it in this way, you know. I thought, ‘just go on the pitch and play football’, what I love. I’m happy that the debut against Manchester United was probably one of the best games I’ve played in. It will stay in my mind forever,” he told UNITED.
“I didn’t want to go off the pitch. You could see we were very happy. You can hear the crowd. I didn’t want to go to the dressing room, but I wanted to celebrate with my teammates. I wanted to stay a little bit longer and enjoy these feelings. That’s why you play football. It’s about the passion.”
There's also an interview with Newcastle hero - and now Peru coach - Nolberto Solano, who popped into the club's Benton training ground recently as his preparations for this summer's World Cup finals continue.
In this week’s United Backstage feature, Foundation Phase Academy Coach Steve Harrison explains how he and his colleagues look to harness the talents of the Magpies’ youngest prospects, and takes a look back at his own career in and out of the game.
Kieron Dyer, Paul Ferris and Michael O’Neill feature in Paul Joannou’s latest Black & White Club, while the club historian also delves into a world of cards, board games and jigsaws – all with a United connection.
We get to know a little bit more about teenage midfielder Owen Gallacher in this week’s High Hopes, while Sky Sports’ Pete Graves gives his take on recent events at St. James’ Park in his regular column Talking Points.
To read all of this – and much more – pick up a copy of UNITED from around St. James’ Park or in the club store on Saturday, priced at just £3.
