Manchester United Academy goalkeeper Matej Kovar joins Bayer Leverkusen

The Czech goalkeeper's departure to the Bundesliga club concludes a five-and-a-half year stay with the Reds, having joined us in January 2018 from FC Slovacko in his homeland.

Kovar became a regular between the posts for our Under-21s, making almost 50 appearances in Premier League 2. He also featured in the UEFA Youth League on six occasions for the Under-19s.

Earlier this year, he collected a league winner's medal in the Czech Republic at the end of a successful season-long loan with Sparta Prague. He previously gained senior experience during a six-month spell with Swindon Town.

Although the 23-year-old did not make a competitive first-team appearance for United, he did feature in two senior friendlies this summer. After coming on for the second half of our opening pre-season victory, 2-0 against Leeds United in Oslo, he played the full 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet as Erik ten Hag's side beat Lyon 1-0 in Edinburgh.

Kovar was also on the bench for the final two friendlies, at home to Lens and against Athletic Club in Dublin.

Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Matej for his service to the club and to wish him all the best for the future.

READ MORE: Chelsea close in on Southampton star Romeo Lavia