23-year-old Kovar shows Man United what they are missing after excellent UEL debut

Manchester United’s academy graduate Matej Kovar has finally kicked off his career at German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Kovar was handed his debut last season’s semifinalists in the UEFA Europa League, UEL, Bayer Leverkusen, kicked off the 2023/2024 campaign in ruthless fashion. 

Leverkusen were too good for their visitors, BK Hacken, after a comprehensive 4-0 defeat at the BayArena on Thursday. 

After five years at Old Trafford, the Czech goalkeeper ended his relationship with the Red Devils when he sealed a permanent move to Leverkusen in the summer. 

Kovar, who joined the club in 2018 from FC Slovacko, was a regular for the United under-21s, making 50 appearances for the club.

He also featured for the Reds in the UEFA Youth League, UYL, but was unable to break through to the ranks and into the first team.

The ball-playing goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Sparta Prague, helping the club win the Czech domestic league. 

Kovar featured in the preseason for United before he made the move to Die Werkself in a bid for more first-team action.

More than a month after he left Old Trafford, the 23-year-old got his chance as he made his debut against Swedish side Hacken.

The youngster had an outstanding debut, making six excellent saves en route to a clean sheet and praise from his manager, Xabi Alonso. 

“Matej #Kovar is calm and can play good football,” Alonso said of his debutant during his post-match press conference.