Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar has signed a new contract and joined League One side Burton Albion on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
Kovar will get his second taste of League One football after a stint with Swindon Town last season.
Matej Kovar Extends Manchester United Stay and Joins Burton Albion on Loan
✍️ Burton Albion are delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Matej Kovar on loan until the end of the season from @ManUtd!
Welcome to Burton Albion, Matej!#BAFC
👇👇👇
— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) January 31, 2022
Kovar in Second Loan Spell
Following that stay at Swindon Town, which was cut short, Matej Kovar’s move to Burton is a second spell away from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper is approaching a senior debut for the Czech Republic after impressing at U21 level for his country. Kovar went on a run of games without conceding and was promoted to the senior squad, though remains yet to make his first appearance on the pitch.
He played 21 times for a struggling Swindon Town last season, keeping just one clean sheet and conceding 43 goals.
Kovar is a goalkeeper with significant potential and he will be looking to put that less than ideal spell with Swindon behind him on a second tasting of senior football. His potential highlighted by Manchester United’s decision to extend his contract before he went out on loan.
Kovar’s deal was due to run until the summer of 2022 but will now last until June 2023, with the option of another year.
United have history in loaning goalkeepers out to Burton Albion with Republic of Ireland international Kieran O’Hara having taken the same route a few seasons ago. O’Hara has made 61 appearances in his time at the club but none this season – with the side under new management, he hasn’t been the preferred option and was sent out on an emergency loan to Scunthorpe United towards the end of 2021.
Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink told burtonalbionfc.co.uk: “Kovar will come in and make life hard for Ben (Garratt) and provide some good competition at the club.
“He will add some great competition, he is a young keeper and we felt like we needed another one in the door.”
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