One player sold by Manchester United is heading towards European success.
In fact, Matej Kovar is on course to complete a dream treble with Bayer Leverkusen.
The team wrapped up the Bundesliga title last weekend, although he had little involvement, playing only once.
In the cups, where he is a starter, it is a very different story. He has been a big contributor to Leverkusen’s success, with 13 appearances.
Kovar, 23, has played nearly every game of the German side’s Europa League run, and last night returned to England to help his team see off West Ham.
Matej Kovar stars v West Ham
Matej Kovar shone for Manchester United in pre-season and the decision to sell him was a controversial one.
He wanted a regular role, and while he is back-up at Leverkusen, their starter Lukas Hradecky is 34.
Kovar has been given a chance as a cup goalkeeper, and he has seized it, impressive last night against West Ham.
The Czech goalkeeper stood up to be counted in the tricky away fixture, with his side maintaining their unbeaten record with a 1-1 draw.
Kovar made five saves during the clash, and claimed four crosses. The 23-year-old exuded a calm presence throughout.
If Manchester United had any concerns about how he might have fared against Premier League opponents, Kovar showed those doubts would have been misplaced.
He is staking a real claim to be Leverkuen’s number one next season, and is now into the Europa League semi-finals against Roma.
He is set to start the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern in May, where he can further embellish his growing reputation. There is a buy-back clause, notably.
Manchester United fans react
Manchester United fans were in unison regarding Kovar’s efforts against West Ham, discussing their admiration for the goalkeeper, and expressing regret at his exit.
One fan on X wrote, in a straightforward manner: “United shouldn’t have let Kovar go.”
Another noted: “He was quality today and from the little I’ve seen of Kovar I believe he’s better than Onana.”
A third fan added: “Everyone thinks that we should have kept De Gea, which is complete stupidity. The bigger mistake was letting Matej Kovar go. Amazing young sweeper keeper. Fantastic backup keeper.”
More comments included: “Matej Kovar was so good yesterday,” and “Why did we sell Kovar? Never made sense to me.”
Another frustrated fan wrote: “Letting go of Matej Kovar is just unbelievable. Watched him in preseason and said to myself everything ETH says he wants in a goalkeeper this kid has. Shambolic club.”
These comments were echoed by another supporters, who wrote: “Why do I feel Matej Kovar is a better goalkeeper than Onana. I watched him in preseason and I felt Ten Hag should have kept him instead of selling.”