Matej Kovar beats transfer deadline to join Burton Albion on loan

Matej Kovar has left Manchester United on loan until the end of the season to join Burton Albion, the club has announced.

This is Kovar’s second loan spell away from Manchester United after a stint at League One side Swindon Town last season.

He played in 21 games for Swindon before falling out of favour after a manager change and was since recalled.

Now he is back in League One with Burton Albion, who are in 10th position.

Manchester United Training and Press Conference — Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

United have confirmed Kovar has signed a new contract extension taking him up to 2023, with an option to extend to 2024.

Kovar, 21, is currently fifth choice at United behind David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Tom Heaton, and Lee Grant.

Factor Nathan Bishop into the mix, who is out on loan at Mansfield, and he is arguably sixth choice.

He will rise up the pecking order in the summer, with Grant will leave United in the summer and Henderson’s future is unclear. Strong performances on loan for Kovar will open up further opportunities.

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Kovar has often trained with the first team and was part of the matchday squad for the Champions League tie against Young Boys under Ralf Rangnick.

The 21-year-old has had a good year, keeping a succession of clean sheets for Czech Republic’s under-21 side.

This earned him a call-up into Czech Republic’s senior squad last Autumn, although he is yet to make his debut.

Kovar has been United’s first choice under-23 goalkeeper this season and needs a new challenge, with more than 50 appearances at that level.

His departure opens the door for Radek Vitek to step up. Tom Wooster, Eric Hanbury and Ondrej Mastny will share under-18 goalkeeping duties.

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Matej Kovar beats transfer deadline to join Burton Albion on loan