Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny chats with the Manchester Evening News about his experience at Old Trafford and his decision to quit.
Ondrej Mastny has a spring in his step.
The young goalkeeper is back in his country after leaving Manchester United in th
“I was a bit down when I was in England and not playing,” the 22-year-old revealed to the Manchester Evening News. “But I have got a second wind since I came home.”
Mastny went to Manchester at the age of sixteen. He didn’t know English and was far from his family and friends. He was a naturally reserved teenager who aspired to build a name for himself through his performances.
Injury denied him a shot in his first season, and the Covid epidemic derailed his potential second. Many would have surrendered, but Mastny stood tall and fought on.
He became a fixture for the Under 18 and Under 21 squads, competing in the UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup, and Football League Trophy. Training sessions with the first team followed, and David de Gea provided crucial assistance with instructions, advise, and encouragement.
“It is always nice to have someone like him to support and encourage you,” Mastny remarked. “They (the first team goalkeepers) tried to help me and I tried to learn.”
Learning began early, both off and on the pitch.
“It was hard because it is a new country, new team, new environment and new people,” he told reporters. “I’m not the type of person who believes the room is for them. I’m not the guy that just talks to everyone, especially when I was 16 and didn’t speak the language.
“I had hoped to play games and demonstrate my abilities on the pitch, but I was unable to do so. I was disappointed at the end of the season since I did not meet my goals. The next season was better; I played practically everything, but then Covid hit.”
Mastny was separated from his home, family, and friends during the pandemic, living with a host family with whom he is still in contact now and intends to see in the future months.
It was a challenging period for everyone, let alone a teenager attempting to establish himself in football in a foreign nation. Mastny is pleased of his ability to overcome some significant challenges.
“I think I did well to come through the injuries and setbacks and the second season was almost a reward for it,” he told reporters. “I’m participating in the Youth Cup, Youth League, Premier League 2, and other events. Being on the first team It is an amazing event that I will never forget.”
Mastny decided to return to Vysočina Jihlava, the club he left for United six years ago, as his playing time was limited. He might have stayed at Old Trafford, possibly seeking a loan and waiting to see if an opportunity arose. But Mastny was prepared for the next chapter.
“It definitely wasn’t easy (to leave),” he said. “I had been thinking about it for a long time, but I was tired of not playing. I was away from my family and friends, and all I wanted to do was play. I wasn’t playing much, so that was my primary focus.
“So far I am playing and doing well and doing what I waned to do so I’m satisified with what is going on.”
Mastny, who is now living with his parents, has had the benefit of six years at United, where he received world-class coaching and had access to top players. It has aided his development, and he thinks it will propel him from the second division of Czech football to a top European league.
“I have a drive in me,” he explained. “I’d love to play in the top division with this team because I arrived here when I was 13.
“I feel 100% more assured. I’ve gone to United, so you must be amazing at football! I’ve been on my own since I was 16, in a different nation, and it’s made me stronger. I went through some injuries and difficult times. I believe in myself.
“Playing abroad is one of our aspirations. The first step is to play because if you don’t, no one will see you. The next aim is the first division here, and if I am good enough, I am willing to travel abroad again and try to play at the top level.”
Mastny is content at home, but he would be thrilled to pursue a top-tier European career.
