- Man Utd face Radek Vitek decision
- Czech goalkeeper returns from Bristol City loan
- Senne Lammens is undisputed number one
Manchester United have a decision to make over Radek Vitek’s future as the Czech goalkeeper returns to the club following a loan spell at Bristol City. After being named the Robins’ Player of the Year, he will have the bit between his teeth to continue earning regular game time.
According to Tyrone Marshall of Manchester Evening News, there is expected to be “significant interest” in Vitek this summer. That includes signing the 22-year-old on loan or even permanently.
Vitek enjoyed a superb season on loan at Ashton Gate, becoming the EFL Championship outfit’s number one. He kept 12 clean sheets in 41 games across competitions, including a 2-0 win over Stoke City on the final day of the season.
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Man Utd must handle Vitek situation
Vitek is set to return to United now that his loan with Bristol City is up. While he could replace Besiktas-linked Altay Bayindir as Senne Lammens’ backup, the young shot-stopper wants first-team football.
That could come via domestic cup competitions although Michael Carrick may be eager to go strong in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. There’s no better way for him to start his permanent reign than winning a cup.
Bayindir’s days at Old Trafford look numbered, and so too do Andre Onana’s despite his desire to try and turn his United career around. Both are likely to be headed for the exit door, which paves the way for Vitek to deputise for Lammens.
Vitek suggested earlier this season that being a number two isn’t his focus. He said back in May:
“At this stage in my career, I want to play as many games as possible. I wouldn’t benefit from sitting on the bench.”
Vitek joined United’s academy back in the summer of 2020 and caught the eye with performances for the U18’s and U21’s. It is quite astonishing that Ruben Amorim didn’t turn to him during Onana and Bayindir’s struggles.
The solution
Lammens is the undisputed number one and displacing him in Carrick’s team seems an impossible task at this point. The best solution for United and Vitek is to make him the club’s cup competition goalkeeper.
If that doesn’t suit the Czech goalkeeper, the answer could be another loan to get more game time. It’s important that he’s sent to a club where he can further his development, and it might be wise to consider a Championship title contender or even a Premier League club.
Selling Onana and Bayindir should be the priority regarding a goalkeeping reshuffle. Vitek is still young and could very well compete with Lammens down the line.
