Manchester United talent Radek Vitek has joined Bristol City and enjoyed a brilliant start to his loan spell at Ashton Gate.
Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation may still go through some changes before the summer transfer deadline.
Ruben Amorim is backing Andre Onana to improve this season, though many United fans still have major doubts about his quality.
Altay Bayindir was expected to leave United, but no exit has materialised, and he could yet start the season as first-choice due to Onana’s injury.
Tom Heaton is staying at United, with the veteran stopper serving as third-choice once again this season.
United have now sent Radek Vitek out on loan, with the Czech stopper heading to Bristol City for more first-team experience.
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Radek Vitek enjoys dream first appearance for Bristol City
Vitek dazzled on loan at Blau-Weiss Linz last season, making a big impression in Austria’s top flight.
Many expected to see Vitek in pre-season action for United, but Amorim decided to send him on loan once more.
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Vitek joined Bristol City in midweek, signing a season-long loan deal as the Robins chase another Championship play-off push.
Vitek featured for the first time in a Bristol City shirt on Saturday, starting in a 4-0 thrashing of Real Valladolid.
Starting with a clean sheet is impressive enough, but Vitek also produced a penalty save to kick off his Bristol City career in style.
Vitek saved low down to his left and kept hold of the ball in the process, producing a fantastic save to help Bristol City rack up a big win.
This was Bristol City’s final game before their Championship season starts at Sheffield United next weekend.
Vitek will hope that his start against Valladolid means that he will play at Bramall Lane, though pipping Max O’Leary to the starting spot will be a battle this week.
Manchester United must keep Radek Vitek in mind
United may bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, though much depends on the futures of both Onana and Bayindir.
The speculation around both players suggests that United would ideally like to have two new goalkeepers battling it out this time next year.
A big name has been linked, with United keen on Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens is on the Old Trafford radar as one for the future.
Yet rather than spend on Lammens, United would be wise to track Vitek very closely for a potential role around the first team.
United may be tempted to cash in on Vitek to raise funds, just like compatriot Matej Kovar in 2023.
United placed a buy-back clause into that deal, but Vitek could force his way into the plans with a strong season in the Championship.
That is something to watch for this season, and United will certainly be delighted to see him make such a strong start to his loan spell.