Darlow stepped in for the Slovakian at the beginning of the campaign, who was absent with a heel injury, and rarely put a foot wrong.
His match-winning saves carried the Magpies during the opening months. Bruce kept faith with Darlow. despite Dubravka’s return to fitness in January.
The United head coach, however, decided to end Darlow’s streak of 25 consecutive starts and bring Dubravka in for his first start of the Premier League season against Wolves at the weekend.
Former England number one Paul Robinson believes Darlow’s stock has risen, which could potentially attract interest from fellow Premier League clubs.
“It is important now that clubs have two top goalkeepers,” the retired 41-year-old told Football Insider. “Almost every club has a very able number two.
“Karl Darlow is in the best form of his career. He can probably feel hard done by to have been brought out against Wolves. He has had a good run of games and played very well.
“The big problem he has is that Dubravka, a world-class goalkeeper, is sat on the bench waiting.
“Dubravka did not put a foot wrong before his injury. It was only a matter of time before he came back in because managers are loyal to their number ones.
“Darlow always had a difficult task. What Darlow has done is given himself an opportunity of playing again, if Dubravka doesn’t perform, or getting a move elsewhere in the Premier League.”
Dubravka had a mixed performance during the 1-1 with Wolves. Many felt he should have kept Ruben Neves’ equaliser out before producing one of the saves of the season to deny Fabio Silva in the closing stages.
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The United head coach, however, decided to end Darlow’s streak of 25 consecutive starts and bring Dubravka in for his first start of the Premier League season against Wolves at the weekend.