Man Utd ‘delighted’ with impressive loanee who can compete for starting role at Old Trafford

Manchester United have been so impressed with Radek Vitek that they believe he’s ready to vie for a starting berth next season.

The 22-year-old is a Czech goalkeeper who began his career at Olomouc before being poached by the Red Devils in 2020. The shot-stopper rose through the club ranks, and represented the U21 side.

In 2024, he had a brief loan spell at Accrington before spending the previous campaign in Austria with Blau Weiss Linz. This term, the towering custodian joined Bristol City, an ambitious Championship club pushing for a Premier League promotion.

This season, Vitek has been producing eye-catching performances at Ashton Gate Stadium, registering five clean sheets in his 15 league appearances, while conceding 18 goals.

According to Man Utd insider Sully (via CentreDevils ), Vitek’s exploits haven’t gone unnoticed, as INEOS have been ‘delighted’ with his performances in Bristol.

(Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

The source adds that the young keeper has already established himself as a ‘fan favourite’ amongst the club’s supporters, but he’s unlikely to dwell too long with the Robins, as United reportedly have big plans in store for him.

The journalist reveals that the Premier League giants will bring Vitek back to the club next summer, which would most probably spell the end of Altay Bayindir’s stint at the club.

Man Utd believe that the Czech has what it takes to potentially compete with Senne Lammens for a starting role.

While the two previous campaigns were nothing short of disastrous in terms of goalkeeping at Man Utd, the Reds are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, with a young and promising department beginning to take shape.

Despite only making five appearances since joining the club in the summer, Lammens has already endeared himself to the supporters who instantly deemed him an undisputed upgrade on Andre Onana.

Hence, if Vitek proves to be a reliable backup, then Man Utd would have solved the dilemma, and won’t have to worry about this goalkeeping role for years to come.

Interestingly, Vitek has recently downplayed his chances of making a return to Carrington, preferring to remain ‘realistic’. Nevertheless, his humble approach could lead him to great places after all.