Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann has disclosed how close he was to joining Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
On the final day of the season, Erik ten Hag ended up choosing Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United to be David de Gea’s backup. However, he may now find himself in trouble come January.
As part of his summer signing, Ten Hag needed a replacement for the Spaniard as Dean Henderson went to Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan. Early in the transfer window, United was heavily linked to Bachmann but turned down a formal approach due to Watford’s fee demands.
The Red Devils signed Dubravka on a loan with a conditional purchase clause. They can sign him for £6 million at the end of the season if he plays a specific number of games.
Bachmann later acknowledged how close he came to joining Old Trafford in Ten Hag’s first window as manager.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the German shot-stopper said:
“It was very, very, very close. Really very, very close. In the end, I’m glad things turned out the way they are. The new coach really wanted to keep me. I’m happy, I’m a top performer at Watford now. “
Overall, Bachmann is glad he stayed at Vicarage Road rather than taking on the role of De Gea’s backup. Slaven Bilic is trying to lead Watford back into the Premier League, and the Austrian has started all 22 of the Championship games for the Hornets this year, recording nine clean sheets.
Given that the 33-year-old was initially slated to start Europa League and domestic cup games, Dubravka probably would have preferred to have had a bigger role at United. Dubravka only got one chance to play in the 4-2 League Cup victory over Aston Villa because Ten Hag’s rotation has been so restricted between the sticks. Newcastle will be unhappy about his insufficient playing time, and it’s been rumoured that manager Eddie Howe will discuss Dubravka’s future with him.
If the Magpies decide to recall him to St. James’ Park in January, United may have to look for a new No. 2. Dubravka won’t be persuaded to make an early return, though, unless he is assured of playing more games than he does at Old Trafford.
As De Gea’s contract expires at the end of the season, United’s major focus is on a potential new first-choice goalkeeper.
