Radek Vitek has opened up on a possible return to Manchester United next season amid his fantastic form in goal for Bristol City.
Manchester United have been plagued by a goalkeeper problem for years, with David de Gea, André Onana, and Altay Bayındır failing to impress over the last half-decade.
Although De Gea is considered a United legend for his longevity and incredible form, the last few seasons before his departure saw the Spaniard make multiple errors and cost United two trophies before his contract expired in 2023.
Onana was brought in as a replacement under Erik ten Hag, but further mistakes cost him his place under Rúben Amorim, while his backup, Bayındır, bred no confidence among fans or players.
United then opted to sign 23-year-old Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day last summer, and in the Belgians’ five fixtures so far, he has picked up a plethora of praise amid three wins and two draws.
Vitek opens up on Bristol loan
Lammens, however, is not the only young and talented player on United’s books. Radek Vitek, currently on loan at Bristol City, is another who has burst onto the English scene this season. The 22-year-old has been a standout in the Championship this season.
Speaking with Sky Sports, the Czech U20 international has admitted that although the loan to Bristol happened quickly, he already had an agreement in place with Amorim to leave Old Trafford this season to further his development.
“It’s true, it came a little bit out of nowhere,” Vitek explained. “I knew I was going to go on loan this season because I had an agreement with the coach [that] it was the best thing to do, and get more experience at a higher level than last year.
“It was a no-brainer because to play in the Championship for a club such as Bristol City for me was really attractive. I said yes straight away after I spoke with Gerhard Struber [Bristol City head coach].”
Vitek not thinking about possible Lammens battle
While Lammens has started life in goal well at United, many are still keeping close tabs on Vitek’s dominant displays and feel he has a genuine shot at usurping the Belgian at Old Trafford next season.
However, the Bristol shot-stopper has clarified that amid a possible return to United, he is just taking his career and decisions one at a time, although he remains in regular contact with the goalkeeping department at Carrington.
But, this does not stop him from feeling that he would ultimately love to be playing for the club in the future, which would almost certainly require him to beat out Lammens for the No. 1 jersey.
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“I’m taking it step-by-step; we’ll see next summer what’s best for me,” Vitek said. “I speak on a regular basis with my goalkeeper coach from Manchester United, who has come here to watch my games, and I have a good connection with them.
“I know they’re watching me, and I really appreciate that I’m not just the guy who is being forgotten or anything.
“Obviously, long term, I would love to play for Manchester United one day, but also I’m realistic and I know that my pathway can lead somewhere different as well.”
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