Matej
Kovar

He initially joined United from FC Slovacko following a successful trial, and did not require a work permit due to his EU status. The Czech Republic youth international competed for the gloves at Under-18 level and even made his Under-23s debut at Old Trafford in the draw with Everton. Kovar had a successful run of games in the youth team between February and the end of that season, which culminated in United winning the Under-18 Premier League North title. The young Czech was pushed into the Under-23s squad and made 19 appearances at that level, as well as keeping goal in the UEFA Youth League. After training with the first team on several occasions ahead of UEFA Europa League fixtures in 2019/20, Kovar was selected as part of the travelling squad for the match against FC Astana in Kazakhstan, and was an unused substitute during the Reds' 2-1 defeat. His outstanding work in the Under-23, when he was one of the players of the season, helped gain promotion in Premier League 2 as he also proved adept at saving penalties as he grew in stature and confidence. After a spell with Swindon, he performed well again for the Under-23s and trained with the first team. On the opening day of the 2021/22 Premier League 2 campaign, he saved a penalty in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City and he continued to show good form before switching to Burton Albion on loan in January 2022. His next destination was back to his homeland, in the September, but only after signing a new contract at Old Trafford.