Man United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has impressed since signing for Championship club Bristol City on loan.
Radek Vitek of Bristol City looks on.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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Radek Vitek would "love" to play for Manchester United but is realistic about where his career could take him.
In the summer transfer window Vitek signed for Bristol City on a season-long loan and he's been a revelation at Ashton Gate, starting every league game and keeping five clean sheets.
The 22-year-old has made some great saves. Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber recently said of Vitek to the Bristol Post: “Very impressed, very impressed, and sometimes even a little bit surprised. He’s young, and he looks like an outstanding, experienced Championship goalkeeper.”
Vitek has continued to go from strength to strength. The youngster had previous loans with Austrian side FC Blau-Weiß Linz and Accrington Stanley, and he is benefiting from those experiences.
The goalkeeper recently sat down with Sky Sports to discuss his successful loan this season.
"It's true, it came a little bit out of nowhere," Vitek said about signing for Bristol City. "I knew I was going to go on loan this season because I had an agreement with the coach.
"It was the best thing to do and get more experience at a higher level than last year. It was a no-brainer because to play in the Championship for a club such as Bristol City for me was really attractive. I said yes straight away after I spoke with Gerhard Struber."
Vitek continued: "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.
"Everything since day one has come together. The people around the club, the city… everyone has been really nice to me since day one and the fans have been amazing.
"First game away from home, Sheffield Wednesday... to celebrate the win like that was an amazing memory. I don't think I'll ever forget this one."
Vitek joined United's academy from Czech Republic club Sigma Olomouc when he was a teenager in 2020. "I knew straight away that Manchester United wanted me," he said.
"They told me straight after seven weeks' trial, they told me they want 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.
"Obviously, my club knew as well about the interest and they already spoke with Manchester United about the contracts and everything like that so it was basically done - some of my teammates couldn't believe it because it's not an everyday thing someone goes from a Czech academy to a club like Manchester United."
Vitek delivered a man-of-the-match performance in United's opening pre-season friendly against Rosenborg in 2024, but he didn't join the summer tour of the United States because he was due to leave on loan.
Nonetheless, Vitek has been tipped to return to United and challenge Senne Lammens for the No.1 spot. "I'm taking it step-by-step and we'll see next summer what's best for me," he said.
"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."
Vitek signed a new United contract until 2028 before joining Bristol City on loan.
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