Manchester United are inching closer to kicking off an important pre-season, the first one under Ruben Amorim, and it could have a big long-term impact.
The transfer window hasn’t gone according to plan at the time of writing, with Matheus Cunha the only incoming, and no major sales putting the window in standstill mode.
Add to that the frustrating Bryan Mbeumo negotiations, and there hasn’t been much to shout about in the window.
However, there’s an opportunity in every crisis, and for Ruben Amorim, his first crisis arrived early in the pre-season, and with that, an opportunity to create a star.
Manchester United Players Return from International Tournaments Return to Pre-Season Training
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Radek Vitek’s unexpected large role at Man Utd
Radek Vitek is a highly rated name at Man Utd, with coaches tipping him to reach the top level, a belief strengthened by his strong displays on loan at BW Linz.
The stars have aligned for him to have an extended run in the team this pre-season after Andre Onana’s hamstring issue ruled him out of the US tour.
United do have Altay Bayindir, but his future is under the scanner as well, so Vitek presents a better option with a potentially richer long-term return on investment.
Therefore, it is the chance of a lifetime for Vitek to establish himself as a contender to become first-choice at Old Trafford.
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Respected club journalist and fan Andy Mitten has now shared the latest on Vitek’s future at United while speaking on Athletic’s Talk of the Devils podcast.
He said: “From people I’ve spoken to, Bayindir may get a chance at No.1, but I’m doubtful if he’ll be able to establish himself. Vitek is highly rated within the club, but my understanding is he is not considered ready for the first team.”
United can’t repeat costly mistake with Radek Vitek
The words “not considered ready for the first team” will haunt Man Utd fans because that was the line parroted about for Alvaro Fernandez as well.
While having Fernandez on the books, United cycled through Serio Reguilon on loan, played three right-footed players at left-back, signed Tyrell Malacia, and gave Luke Shaw a four-year contract.
They ultimately had to sign a 20-year-old Patrick Dorgu from Lecce to play there while Fernandez earned a move to Real Madrid just six months after that transfer.
It goes without saying that not every player will be a mistake of that magnitude, but the circumstances for Vitek to break through couldn’t be more ideal.
United need to get over the habit of always looking at players outside the club as more attractive options, especially when those options include a 29-year-old at Botafogo (John Victor) or Gladbach’s 19-year-old backup goalkeeper Tiago Cardoso.
It’s hard to make an argument that either would be better than Vitek, who came through the system, has English football league experience, and impressed every time he’s been given the chance.
They can’t repeat the costly mistake with Vitek without giving him a chance. The only way to find out if he’s ready for the first team is to actually play him in the first team.