Man Utd youngster seals loan move away from the club after signing new contract

Matej Kovar has signed a new contract with Manchester United and also agreed a move to Czech side Sparta Prague for the rest of the season.

The goalkeeper has never made a senior appearance for the Red Devils but has been included on the bench four times, most recently in the 1-0 win away to Leicester City at the start of this month.

He has, however, impressed for the various youth sides and in previous loans, which have earned Kovar a contract extension until 2025, with the option of a further year.

The 22-year-old, who was in attendance at Old Trafford on Thursday as United lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad, has experienced loan moves at Swindon Town and Burton Albion, although in the second half of last season he spent most of his time with the Brewers playing back-up to Ben Garratt.

Kovar has often been pictured training with United’s senior goalkeeper this summer, but the deadline-day arrival of Martin Dubravka is likely to be a decisive factor in allowing him to leave on loan.

Kovar’s short-term move to Prague will see him compete with Florin Nita for a starting berth in the team.

The loan won’t provide Kovar with European experience because Prague, a familiar name in Champions League and Europa League competitions, missed out on continental spot after finishing third last season.

The club did compete in the Europa League in 2021/22, finishing third in a group containing Lyon, Rangers and Bromby.

Kovar has represented Czech Republic at youth level but is yet to make a senior appearance for his country despite being called up to the squad.