Ruben Amorim has solved a lot of problems at Manchester United over the pre-season, even if the results beg to differ, but plenty more remain.
The 3-2 win against Burnley got Man Utd their first win of the season at the fourth time of asking, but most of that was down to poor finishing rather than the team playing poorly.
Granted, there are still a lot of holes in the team that need addressing, especially in goal and in midfield, so the transfer window could be set for a frantic end.
However, while United try to plug these holes, two Man Utd loanees reminded Ruben Amorim that a position he’s desperately trying to strengthen at Old Trafford has a bright future.
Jaidon Anthony of Burnley scores his team's second goal past Altay Bayindir of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30, 2025
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Elyh Harrison and Radek Vitek shine on loan
It was ironic that the same day Altay Bayindir made another mistake on a set-piece to concede a goal, United’s two goalkeepers on loan continued to impress.
Radek Vitek, on loan at Bristol City, is loving life, and he continued his sterling run of form in a 4-2 win against Hull City.
He made seven saves in a frantic game, often acting as the sweeper to kill attacks and launch one for his own team.
Aside from these ball-playing skills, he was a menace in old-school shot-stopping, with one save of his earning the ‘ridiculous’ billing from his club.
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Already a fan favourite at Bristol City, the stage is set for Vitek to return to United next year and challenge for the No. 1 spot, at least if the club doesn’t want to repeat the mistake they made with Dean Henderson.
Elyh Harrison, on the other hand, is a bit further away from the first team, but is equally showing signs of eventually getting there.
On loan at Shrewsbury Town like Henderson once was, Harrison is continuing his good run of form that started at Chester last season.
On the same day as Vitek was brilliant against Hull City, Harrison also shone in a goalless draw against Accrington Stanley, earning a 7.9 rating from Fotmob.
He made four saves and was a regular part of the buildup as he finished the game with 55 touches.
Man Utd need to plan the pathways
In an ideal world, United would get rid of both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, promoting Radek Vitek to the first team next season, where he can compete with Senne Lammens.
As Heaton retires, Harrison can make his way up the football league to eventually contend for a spot at Old Trafford as well.
However, neither Onana nor Bayindir are generating much interest, in which case United might have to take a short-term hit for long-term planning.
Vitek’s pathway, in particular, needs to be cleared, so the player knows that he’s got a chance of breaking through at the club.
That can come only if United sign a goalkeeper this summer but shift two next season, when Vitek returns from Bristol City.
Either way, Onana and Bayindir’s race at United should be over after this season. The only question is whether they compete with Lammens this season or Emiliano Martinez.