Eddie Howe has paid tribute to Nick Pope after the goalkeeper's season ended early due to the player going under the knife.
A troublesome finger issue could not wait any longer for Pope meaning that Martin Dubravka or Loris Karius will play against Chelsea this weekend. But Pope signed out after making one of the most important saves of the season as he helped grab the point required against Leicester with a late stop at St James' Park.
Howe, who made the decision to make Pope the number 1 this season, said: "Nick has been an incredible signing for us, he really has. His goalkeeping has been very, very good.
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"He’s been very consistent and made huge saves from day one. Against Leicester, he had nothing to do until right at the end.
"It was always going to be possibly like that. We got a bit nervy and jittery and ended up playing deep passes in and around our box and sitting off them for the first time in the game. They’re always going to get a moment, and that’s where you need your goalkeeper to keep his concentration and deliver, and Nick did again."
United must now make some tough decisions ahead of the summer window when the goalkeeping department will come under the spotlight. Whether Dubravka can cope with another season of playing deputy to Pope remains to be seen.
And Karl Darlow could be allowed to leave after a good loan spell at Hull City. Karius appeared to say his farewells after the 0-0 draw with the Foxes and is another who may be in the departure lounge.
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