Manchester United sold promising goalkeeper Matej Kovar this summer and might go on to regret letting him leave.
One of the stars of Manchester United’s opening two pre-season games was Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
The 23-year-old looked physically imposing, confident, and sharp with his distribution. It was just what Manchester United had been crying out for.
While these matches were being played out, a move for Andre Onana was being completed. Kovar looked like an ideal understudy. Then he was sold.
BBC Sport reported United netting £7.7 million from Kovar’s move to Bayer Leverkusen. There is also a buy-back clause in the deal, just in case.
Matej Kovar makes Bayer Leverkusen debut
Matej Kovar has not signed at Bayer Leverkusen to be their number one. Instead he has had to play back-up to Lukas Hradecky.
But the view was that there was a better chance of him succeeding the 33-year-old Finn, than had he stayed at United where he would have played back-up to new signing Onana.
Last night Kovar made his debut when he was rotated in for Leverkusen’s Europa League game against Swedish side Hacken.
He kept a clean sheet as Leverkusen netted twice in each half to win 4-0. And he dealt with everything he was asked to do, making six saves.
On the ball he was clean too, completing 86 per cent of his passes. It was the complete performance.
Kovar better for exit
In a week where new signing Andre Onana by his own admission cost Manchester United the game against Bayern Munich, Kovar’s successful game for Leverkusen raises a question of whether the Red Devils should have backed the youngster to be the new number one instead.
After winning the Czech title last season on loan, Kovar had high potential, and United felt it was not the right move to keep him as a back-up.
He would not have got a fair fight at Old Trafford. Onana will be the number one, even if there are more calamities. He would only be taken out of the line-up temporarily for a breather.
Still only 23, Kovar has a fresh start, and he has made the most of his first opportunity. Manchester United will be glad there is a buy-back clause.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
