Radek Vitek seeks Manchester United exit for regular playing time
Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has indicated his desire to leave the club this summer, stating he is ready for either a loan move or a permanent transfer in pursuit of consistent first-team football. Vitek’s comments came after playing in a pre-season friendly against Wrexham, where he kept a clean sheet during the second half of the 1-0 defeat.
Despite joining United in 2020 and progressing through the academy, the Czech international has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the club. He has gained experience through several loan spells, including stints at Accrington Stanley, Bristol City, and FC Blau-Weiß Linz in Austria.
Seeking First-Team Opportunities
Vitek expressed his ambition to become a number one goalkeeper, stating, “I feel great and ready to go again. Someday I hope to be a No1.” He acknowledged his current status at Old Trafford but hopes for a move, adding, “At the moment I am still here, but we will see, I hope (I can leave). I hope there will be some interest. You will know when things are more concrete.”
The goalkeeper confirmed that there is “interest on the table” for his services and that he is open to various options. “I am ready to go for both, to be fair,” he said, referring to a loan or permanent exit. “Depends what the club wants, depends on the options, we’ll see.” His primary goal for the upcoming season is to play every week, and he hopes to find out his destination soon.
Vitek believes he has developed significantly over the past two and a half years through his loan experiences. “I think I have grown in the past two and a half years, I’ve been on a few loans. I have grown person-wise, and on the pitch as well. I feel ready before the season for a loan.”
Goalkeeping Situation at United
The current goalkeeping hierarchy at Manchester United appears to limit Vitek’s chances for first-team action. Senne Lammens is established as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The recent free transfer signing of Karl Darlow and the contract extension for Tom Heaton further complicate Vitek’s path to a senior role this season.
Vitek’s decision to seek a move comes after an impressive campaign with Bristol City, where he reportedly swept the board at their player of the year awards. His desire to play regularly remains unchanged, as he stated, “My mind is still the same. I want to play. I want to play every week and that is the goal for next season.”
He has been training at Carrington, working with goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson and experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Vitek highlighted their importance, noting, “I have been working here with Craig nearly six years now. And obviously with Tom as well, quite a long time. They have been massively important. Also this pre-season, it helps me a lot. I can work with them and hopefully get myself ready as best as possible.”
The club is reportedly open to cashing in on the young goalkeeper, especially given the unlikelihood of him displacing Lammens as the primary choice. While Andre Onana returned from a loan spell and Altay Bayindir is expected to depart, creating a potential vacancy for a number two, Vitek has made it clear he is not interested in that role, preferring to be a starter elsewhere.
Vitek’s contract with Manchester United runs until June 2028.
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Source: standard.co.uk
