After departing the team in 2023, Matej Kovar, the goalkeeper for Bayer Leverkusen, acknowledged that Manchester United is “still in his heart.”
Kovar joined Manchester United at the age of 17 in 2018, but in his five years there, he was never able to break through the Under-21 system and did not play for the main team once. After on-loan stints with Sparta Prague, Burton Albion, Swindon Town, and Bayer Leverkusen, the Czech goalkeeper joined the Bundesliga team permanently.
Even though Kovar was unable to establish himself in the starting lineup, the Red Devils made sure that the contract with Leverkusen included a first refusal option.
Due to veteran goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky’s outstanding play, Kovar has only been used infrequently by Xabi Alonso after concluding a £7.7 million move to Leverkusen and agreeing to a four-year contract at the Bay Arena.
While Leverkusen has roared to an eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, Kovar has only appeared once. However, he has been a regular in cup competitions, making 10 games in the DFB-Pokal and UEFA Europa League so far this season.
While representing Czechia on international duty, Kovar answered questions for Sport on a prospective return to Manchester United.
“No, I have not,” he responded. I need to start playing consistently and make a name for myself in Leverkusen. After that, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
“Undoubtedly, my heart still belongs to them [United]. I frequented the club for a long time. When I have a moment, I’ll have a look. United is having a challenging season.
The outcomes resemble a spinning merry-go-round. But it’s a large, fantastic club, and I hope it rises to the top once more. Going to Leverkusen made sense, we all agreed.
“For me, it was a change. And I would have accepted all 10 if someone had informed me before the season that I would play for Leverkusen, one of the top teams in Europe, in about fifteen games. I think I made the proper decision, and subsequent evidence will support that.”
