KEEPER Ondrej Mastny has revealed he has no regrets about leaving Manchester United – for the Czech Republic's second division.
Mastny, 21, spent five years at Old Trafford after a move from home-country club Vysocina Jihlava.
He played for United's Under-21s, and had a loan spell with Northern Irish club Portadown last season.
But Mastny has now rejoined Jihlava, despite not being guaranteed first-team football and having a year left on his Red Devils contract.
He said: "I certainly don't see it as a backward step. Maybe it would be if I were 26, but not at the age of 21.
"I tried to gain as much experience as possible in United's academy, and now I want to succeed in senior football.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
Man Utd fans beg to bring cult hero out of retirement amid injury crisis
Free football betting tips for Prem and EFL plus claim £40 in FREE BETS
"I got an offer to come back in July and accepted it, and discussed it for some time with United.
"I have developed as a person and a footballer. Those five years have given me a lot of experience.
"Sometimes it was heavy going, especially when I could not play. I wasted almost all my first season.
"And Covid was challenging. I wasn't able to go home or see my parents for almost a year.
Most read in Football
Football star dies 'suddenly' aged 27 as pals remember her 'big smile'
Toni Kroos slams Gabri Veiga as 'EMBARRASSING' after 'secret' Saudi transfer
Greenwood axe sees Man Utd change transfer strategy with Amrabat deal in doubt
Kane picks up £85k Audi car as Bayern star's reaction leaves fans in hysterics
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
"Jihlava has a great history, and is well above standard for the second division. It is pointless to compare them with United, whose size can be seen everywhere.
"It is great to be back. I know half the squad from my time in the youth team."
Mastny faces a fight to displace Jihlava's in-form first choice keeper Pavel Soukup.
He added: "I have come back to a team that is doing well, and I hope it stays that way.
"It is down to me to show what I can do in training, and to wait for my chance.
"It is clear that no-one can immediately guarantee me a place here."
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest takeover and transfer news from Old Trafford
Source: Read Full Article