The goalkeeper is currently on loan at Bristol City after arriving at Old Trafford six years ago
Radek Vitek.
Radek Vitek is ready to take a starting position(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United)
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Radek Vitek acknowledged he "couldn't turn down" the opportunity to join Manchester United but is not excited at the prospect of becoming an understudy to Senne Lammens.
The Czech shotstopper arrived at United in 2020 as a rising prospect but has yet to feature in a senior competitive fixture for the club. Vitek progressed through the youth system at Old Trafford but departed on loan to Accrington Stanley in 2024.
A subsequent temporary spell in the Austrian Bundesliga followed, before he established himself as Bristol City's first-choice goalkeeper in 2025.
The 22-year-old has made 37 appearances for the Championship outfit, recording 11 clean sheets across more than 3,300 minutes of action. He claimed his place between the posts after fellow goalkeeper Max O'Leary sustained an injury during pre-season.
Having initially been brought in as backup, Vitek has demonstrated his capabilities and told The Sun that he has no interest in simply picking up wages without making a contribution. He said: "It was a difficult task to keep the shirt but in the back of my mind, I always wanted to stay here and play the whole season. That was my goal.
Radek Vitek of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on August 07, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Vitek joined United in 2020 as a youth prospect(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"At this stage in my career, at a young age, I want to play as many games as possible. I wouldn't benefit from sitting on the bench here, or anything else."
Vitek revealed that while he couldn't turn down the chance to join United, he is determined to displace Lammens from the starting line-up and establish himself as the next fan favourite at Old Trafford. He said: "At the moment, I'm focusing on the end of the season and finishing as strong as possible for Bristol City with eight games to play.
"I just want to give my best for the club and to build my platform towards next season. I will communicate with Man United closely and we will see what's going to be best for me next season.
"But I want to play football. I don't want to just be somewhere sitting on the bench. I really appreciate the trust [United] are giving me. Obviously, I am going step by step."
Reflecting on his move to Manchester, Vitek added: "I couldn't turn down Manchester United at such a young age. I knew it would be a challenge; new country, new language.
Bristol City's goalkeeper Radek Vitek during the Sky Bet Championship match between Coventry City and Bristol City at The Coventry Building Society Arena on December 13, 2025 in Coventry, England.
Vitek has found his footing at Bristol City(Image: Stephen White - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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"But if you don't work for something in life, you can't achieve much. Looking back, I did the right thing. It builds my personality and character as well. You speak about mentality; when you work hard every day towards something, towards the weekend, you feel much better and more confident.
"There have been some difficult times but when you overcome that, it builds you up, you have more confidence and you believe in yourself. I have always been a bit of a loner because I moved from my hometown at a really young age to play for Sigma Olumuc, which was over an hour from my home."
Vitek explained that while he couldn't say no to the opportunity with United, he is keen to push Lammens out of the first team and become the newest hero at Old Trafford. He said: "I stayed over the week some days, so I was already used to the travel and being on my own.
"But I have graduated to a different level. When I came to Man United first, I wasn't anywhere near the agility level or movement level where I am now.
"So I have to thank all the academy staff and goalkeeper coaches for what they done with me. I feel like a massive improvement since age 16 to that first loan. So one of the best academies in the world helped me in my career."