Manchester United are reportedly hours away from confirming their second signing of the summer in goalkeeper Andre Onana. Longtime servant between the sticks, David de Gea, has departed United as a free agent this summer after a complicated back-and-forth regarding a contract extension ultimately ended with United opting not to continue with the Spaniard as their number one. Erik ten Hag prefers his teams to play out from the back, starting with the goalkeeper, and has chosen to bring Onana, who played under the Dutchman at Ajax, to Old Trafford.
Aside from de Gea, Dean Henderson also looks likely to leave United, with a transfer to Nottingham Forest–where he spent last season on loan–looking like a matter of when, not if. Then there’s Tom Heaton. The 37 year old veteran has caught the eye of a few clubs this summer, including serious interest from newly promoted Luton Town, but it’s rumoured ten Hag blocked a transfer while United get their own goalkeeping situation figured out. That also includes a young, ball-playing backup option in 20 year old Zion Suzuki, who currently plays for Japanese side Urawa Reds. United have reportedly already agreed on personal terms with the Japanese shot-stopper and can bring him to Old Trafford for less than €6 million.
If you’re keeping a running tally, United have let go of one keeper, look likely to sell a second, might potentially sell another, nearly have a new number one signed, and are heavily linked with a young backup.
With goalkeeper musical chairs going on at Old Trafford, 23 year old United academy product, Matej Kovar, could spend another year on loan with Sparta Prague. Kovar spent last season with the Czech side and was instrumental in helping them secure their first league title since 2014, while also being named the league’s goalkeeper of the season. Kovar entered United’s preseason match against Leeds United as a second half sub and looked good on the ball, especially in tight spaces under pressure from Leeds’ attackers. Ten Hag can be very specific and determined, though, when it comes to players who he thinks fit his system and it’s unclear if Kovar is in the Dutchman’s plans. More preseason opportunities to impress might change ten Hag’s mind, but that hasn’t stopped Sparta Prague from expressing a desire to bring Kovar back to the epet ARENA next season.
Former Arsenal player and current Sparta Prague sporting director, Tomas Rosicky, has made public his wishes to bring Kovar back for another loan spell. However, Rosicky has also admitted that Sparta Prague won’t wait around for United to make up their mind, declaring “another goalkeeper will sign” if a deal can’t be struck for Kovar.
So impressive was Kovar last season that if he isn’t going to see minutes at United, a loan would be the best thing for him, for Sparta Prague, and for United. Kovar will gain further experience, Sparta see the return of the keeper who was key to their success last season, and United either see their academy product develop and come back stronger, or impress while on loan and secure a sizeable fee for the Red Devils if he isn’t in ten Hag’s plans for the future.
This will be an interesting–and hopefully, eventful–week for United’s goalkeeping situation, but it could also be a big week for Matej Kovar. With the deal for Andre Onana rumoured to be announced within days, will we see more of Kovar during United’s preseason tour or will Erik ten Hag give the green light to move him on?
