Goalkeeper is thriving at Bristol City after joining the Championship side on loan this summer
Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek says his loan spell at Bristol City has been “hugely beneficial” and is eyeing a future as No 1 at Old Trafford.
The young Czech has impressed in the Championship after stepping in as an emergency replacement for City’s first-choice keeper Max O’Leary this season.
Vitek joined the Championship side on loan from United as a short-term replacement after O’Leary suffered an ankle injury at the end of last season, but he has since established himself as the team’s No 1, even keeping O’Leary out of the side after his recovery.
“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,” Vitek told Sky Sports.
“It was a no-brainer because to play in the Championship for a club such as Bristol City for me was really attractive.”
The Czech goalkeeper has delivered a string of assured performances, earning praise for his composure and aerial dominance.
“I’m still quite young but I would describe myself as a goalkeeper who likes to be both dominant and also confident for the team in front of me so they can rely on me,” said Vitek.
The 22-year-old started out at SK Sigma Olomouc’s academy in the Czech Republic, before trials across several clubs brought him to Manchester United’s attention.
“I knew straight away that Manchester United wanted me,” said Vitek. “They told me straight after seven weeks’ trial they wanted me to sign.
“It was the time when Covid hit though. I spent six months at home but I didn’t have any doubts because I felt really confident with the conversations I had with the coaches in Manchester.
“My club already knew about the interest and spoke with United about the contracts, so it was basically done. Some of my team-mates couldn’t believe it because it’s not an everyday thing someone goes from a Czech academy to a club like Manchester United.”
United struggled in the goalkeeping department with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, but now appear to have stabilised things with the arrival of Belgium international Senne Lammens. The 23-year-old joined from Royal Antwerp in the summer and has put in a string of impressive performances.
But Vitek believes there might still be a place for him at Old Trafford in the future.
“I’m taking it step by step,” said the shot-stopper. “We’ll see next summer what’s best for me.
“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.”
