Radek Vitek has been among the best-performing players sent on loan by Manchester United in the summer, after multiple stand-out displays with Bristol City in the Championship.
Manchester United sent 18 players on loan in the summer, including Jadon Sancho.
Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on United’s loanees, especially Harry Amass, after an impressive start at Sheffield Wednesday despite the club’s ongoing struggles.
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Another United academy star impressing on loan is Radek Vitek, following a temporary move to Bristol City.
Vitek quickly became a favourite at Bristol City and he is hoping to continue his development in the Championship for the foreseeable future.
Radek Vitek standing tall against Preston North End
Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images
Radek Vitek aims for Man Utd senior debut
Vitek impressed at BW Linz last season; however, the Championship is a big step up for the 6ft 6in goalkeeper.
Bristol City are currently eighth in the Championship table. They will be eyeing a promotion spot if they can get back to winning ways after losing two of their last three matches.
Vitek must walk before he runs, and that is why he is eager to prove himself in the Championship.
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Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Vitek has revealed that he wants to remain at Bristol City for the rest of the season to earn valuable experience – rather than being third or fourth choice goalkeeper at United.
“At the moment, the main goal is probably to stay here the whole season and play as many matches as possible,” Vitek said.
“Every game brings different challenges and that’s how you get as a young keeper the most experience, because you can be third goalkeeper on the training pitch when you’re at Manchester United or big clubs like that but it will never give you the experience from the field.
“The past three months it’s another step forward for me from last year and there are players with more quality and different solutions in front of goal, so I need to make more quick decisions and be ready.”
Vitek also shared his ambition to play at Old Trafford after his loan. That means competing with Senne Lammens for a place between the sticks, with the 23-year-old impressing since his transfer from Royal Antwerp earlier this year.
“That’s my plan, but I will do my maximum for that and we will see,” he added.
“Let’s take game by game and now I’m focussing to play for Bristol City and doing my best. One day it would be a dream to play for Manchester United, but I will take it game by game, and I know there’s a big challenge in front of me, but I want to improve every week.”
It is encouraging that Vitek knows it will take lots of hard work to earn a senior debut at United.
From what we’ve seen so far this season, Lammens won’t be making it easy for him.
Ruben Amorim is excited about Senne Lammens
He can kick long balls with a lot of quality with both feet, and that is a detail that can change the way we play the game.
When is Radek Vitek in action next?
Bristol City take on Swansea City at Ashton Gate on Saturday in a 12:30pm kick-off.
Vitek is expected to make his 16th appearance in the Championship this season.
They will be favourites for the game, and Vitek will be hoping for another clean sheet.
Only time will tell if Vitek can do enough this season to earn a place in Ruben Amorim’s plans.