LEIGH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Matej Kovar of Manchester United warms up ahead of the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United U23s and Manchester City EDS at Leigh Sports Village on August 28, 2021 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Young Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar has continued his strong recent stretch of form.
Kovar helped Czech Republic’s under-21 side to a 1-0 win over Kosovo in European Championship qualifying last night.
This was a sixth consecutive clean sheet for Kovar for club and country.
Kovar, 21, had kept clean sheets for Manchester United’s under-23 side in the 3-0 EFL Trophy win over Bradford City and in league matches against Everton (1-0) and Liverpool (3-0).
These followed a 1-0 win over Slovenia and a 4-0 win over Albania for Czech Republic’s under-21s during the September international break.
Kovar’s latest shutout was a confidence boosting sixth in a row.
Next up is another game against the same opponent, Kosovo, on October 12.
Kovar was rewarded during the last international break by being called up into the Czech Republic senior squad for their final match after a late injury.
New challenge needed?
Kovar began last season on loan at League One side Swindon Town, in which he played 21 matches.
But he eventually lost his place after a change of manager at the club and United recalled him in January.
United kept him with the under-23s this season with Nathan Bishop heading out on loan instead.
It would not be a surprise if United fix up a loan for him in the January transfer window, and there should be a few offers.
Radek Vitek and Ondrej Mastny could both fill in for the under-23s if Kovar went out on loan.
Goalkeeper is a position where United are spoiled for talent at all levels. Kovar’s recent form underlines the strength in depth.
