After Dean Henderson left for Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan before his arrival, Ten Hag needed a backup for the Spaniard as part of his summer recruitment. United were strongly linked with Bachmann earlier in the transfer window but snubbed a concrete approach over Watford's demands for a fee.
The Red Devils recruited Dubravka on loan, with a £6million option to buy at the end of the season if he makes a certain number of appearances. But Bachmann has since come out and confirmed just how close he was to arrive at Old Trafford in Ten Hag's first window as boss.
The 28-year-old stopper told German outlet Heute: "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."
Man Utd signed Martin Dubravka over Daniel Bachmann. (Image: GETTY)
Bachmann is ultimately happy he stayed at Vicarage Road rather than becoming De Gea's understudy. The Austrian has started all 22 of Watford's Championship games this season, keeping nine clean sheets as Slaven Bilic looks to guide the Hornets back into the Premier League.
Dubravka will have hoped to have played a bigger role at United, with the 33-year-old initially expected to start Europa League and domestic cup games. However, Ten Hag's rotation has been limited between the sticks, handing Dubravka just one appearance in the 4-2 League Cup win against Aston Villa.
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Daniel Bachmann: I was 'very, very, very close' to Man Utd transfer. (Image: Getty)
Newcastle will also be disappointed in his lack of minutes, and manager Eddie Howe is reportedly set for talks with Dubravka about his future.
The Magpies have the option to recall him to St. James' Park in January if they see fit, which could leave United searching for another No 2.
But with Nick Pope firmly Howe's first-choice goalkeeper, Dubravka is unlikely to be convinced about an early return unless he's given assurances of playing more games than he is at Old Trafford.
United's main goalkeeper focus is on a potential new first-choice, with De Gea's contract up at the end of the season.
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