Tomáš Rosický explains why Man United’s pre-season star will not return to Sparta Prague

Tomáš Rosický has explained why Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar will not return to Sparta Prague this season.

The former Arsenal midfielder, who is now the Sporting Director for the Czech club, has stated that his team could not risk waiting longer to secure their no.1 for next season.

Kovar, 23, spent the 2022/23 campaign with the side from his home country and helped them to the league title. He made 32 appearances throughout the season as he made the spot between the sticks his own.

The goalkeeper returned to United for the beginning of pre-season and majorly impressed in the opening fixtures before he was left out of the squad for the United States tour. This was believed to be in anticipation of an upcoming loan move.

According to Denik Sport, the team that had him on loan last term have been interested in securing him on a transfer but are unable to come up with the £6 million that United would desire for the talented shot-stopper.

However, it seems that even a loan move is unlikely now. Sparta begin their Champions League qualification games in less than two weeks and wanted to fill the position, so Peter Vindahl, the Danish ‘keeper, has joined the club on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

Speaking on the United goalkeeper, Rosický explained: “Matěj Kovář, together with his agency and Manchester United, continue to consider how his career will continue. We wanted it to be in Sparta, but at this moment we can’t wait any longer, the peak of our summer is approaching in the form of Champions League qualification. As I already said during the training camp in Austria, if we can’t bring Matěj now, we have to react to it.

“Peter has experience from foreign leagues and European cup matches. He is a goalkeeper who has the physical parameters and abilities that we envision for this position. We regularly watched his performances in the second Bundesliga last season.”

Kovar does have a number of other potential loan destinations, however, a return to the club he did so well at last term wouldn’t have been a bad idea at all.

The shot-stopper made an emotional statement on his Instagram which further confirmed that he will not be returning to the club. It read: “This day marks the end of my time in Sparta. I am very happy that I could be a part of the biggest club in the Czech Republic and help the team to win the title after a long wait.

“I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of such a great team and club. With this message I would like to thank everyone at the club. From the club management to the players themselves, coaches and all Sparta employees.

“Even though my tenure only lasted ten months, I already know that I can call this place home and it will always remain in my heart. Although this story ends, the memories will remain forever.

Read More: Man United manager Erik ten Hag makes promise to Kobbie Mainoo following injury concern

“Lastly, I would like to thank you fans. I will always remember the support I felt from the first match until today. It was a ride none of us will ever forget.

“Even though I say goodbye to you today, I am extremely proud that I could consider myself one of you and help bring Sparta back to where it belongs. Thanks for everything Sparta I will never forget.”

Many fans have expressed their beliefs that he could be a great no.2 to the newly signed Andre Onana, however, that still seems unlikely to happen for next season at this stage.