Manchester United have made an immediate decision regarding goalkeeper Radek Vitek amid his recent injury with Bristol City.
The previous transfer window saw Manchester United invest heavily in their offensive departments with the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
The window also saw the temporary departure of Cameroonian international, Andre Onana on a season long loan to Turkish side, Trabzonspor.
This loan meant that the club decided to make their next investment in a goalkeeper, bringing in 23-year-old Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp as the long-term solution to United’s goalkeeper doubts with the recent performances of both Onana and Altay Bayindir.
An array of United academy products were sent on loan in the EFL to gain substantial minutes, and after an impressive start, one player in particular began to have injury doubts. Following this, a positive update has arrived to the relief of many United fans.
Vitek knee injury given positive update
22-year-old goalkeeper Radek Vitek joined Championship side Bristol City FC on a season-long loan, becoming the starting goalkeeper and impressing from the outset with stunning goalkeeping performances..
The Czech Republic youth international quickly became a fan favourite, recording seven clean sheets in 21 games.
Following an injury that appeared to be of some concern, the club has issued a statement outlining Vitek’s situation and when fans can expect his return, confirming that United have chosen to allow him to stay with Bristol rather than return to Manchester.
The statement read: “Vitek has had a small operation on his knee. We expect the Manchester United loanee to be available in February. He will complete his rehabilitation at Bristol City.”
The initial fear was that Vitek would remain sidelined until the end of the season and would be forced to return to Carrington to recover. However, fans will hope to see the goalkeeper return in February, when they will face fellow promotion hopefuls, Hull City.
Vitek’s future at Old Trafford unclear
Consistent game time at a high professional standard has demonstrated that Vitek is more than capable of holding his own in goal; the return of Lammens at Old Trafford may prove impactful.
United have seen promising young goalkeepers depart, including Matej Kovar, who made a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen after an impressive title-winning season with Sparta Prague and a strong preseason under Erik ten Hag.
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Vitek has demonstrated elite shot-stopping and confidence for Bristol City. With doubts over the permanent futures of both Onana and Bayindir, the role of back-up keeper could be the slot for Vitek next season. Potentially pushing Lammens to compete for the number one option.
Having joined United aged 16 in July 2020, Vitek is more than familiar with the running of the club, and after having made over 50 appearances for United’s U21S, a push for first-team football could be on the goalkeeper’s mind.
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