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When leaving a big club like Manchester United, often players struggle to live up to expectations.
Last year saw David de Gea leave the club, being replaced by Andre Onana, with the Spanish goalkeeper taking a year away from the pitch. Bringing his self enforced break to an end, the 33-year-old has now signed a contract with Italian side Fiorentina.
Also in Italy, Raphael Varane has recently joined Serie A side Como, however has already come off injured in his debut game, whilst Anthony Martial is still yet to find a new club.
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However, despite all these disastrous situations, one former United player has had a brilliant season away from Old Trafford.
Matej Kovar and his successful season away from Old Trafford
Matej Kovar joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer for €5 million after graduating from the United academy with several loans to Swindon Town, Burton Albion and Sparta Prague.
Leverkusen’s last season was truly incredible under the management of Xabi Alonso, with the Bundesliga breaking records on their way through their undefeated league campaign. However, Kovar was entrusted with protecting the goal through their cup runs and in the Europa League.
With 17 appearances across the DFB-Pokal, the Europa League and one match in the Bundesliga, Kovar has been incredible last season. Across these 17 matches, Kovar kept a really impressive seven clean sheets.
Leverkusen fought their way into the final of both the DFB-Pokal and Europa League, winning the former, however losing 3-0 to Atalanta in the Europa League.
Speaking with the Rheinische Post, Kovar called his time at United a “childhood dream” also commenting: “maybe I’ll come back one day”.
He continued: “It wasn’t an easy decision to leave everything behind at that age: the country, my friends, my family. But when Manchester United calls, you don’t have to think long. For me, a childhood dream came true. I had to take that chance.
“I was there for five years, enjoyed the time, met a lot of great people, and matured as a goalkeeper and a person. I’m grateful for the experiences.
“Of course, there were ups and downs, but they’re part of life. Maybe I’ll come back one day, that would be nice.”
Interestingly, United have included a buy-back clause when they sold the goalkeeper just in case he excels after leaving Old Trafford, which looks set to be the case.
This means that Kovar’s hope of returning to Old Trafford could be still very much on the cards.
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