Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has revealed he wants to leave the club this summer in a frank interview, stating that there is interest in his services. The Czech shot-stopper, who has yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for United since joining in 2020, made the surprise revelation after playing the second half of United's 1-0 friendly defeat to Wrexham on Saturday.
Vitek's Journey at Manchester United
Vitek first joined United's academy setup in 2020 and has since spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley, Bristol City, and in Austria with FC Blau-Weiß Linz. Despite keeping a clean sheet in his 45-minute appearance against Wrexham, the 23-year-old made clear his desire to depart Old Trafford in search of regular playing time.
"I feel great and ready to go again. Someday I hope to be a No.1," Vitek told reporters in the mixed zone after the match. "At the moment I am still here, but we will see, I hope (I can leave). I hope there will be some interest. You will know when things are more concrete."
First-Team Prospects Blocked
Vitek's chances of breaking into the first team appear slim, with Belgium international Senne Lammens comfortably established as United's first-choice goalkeeper. The free signing of Karl Darlow earlier this month and Tom Heaton's contract extension have further reduced Vitek's prospects for the upcoming season.
When asked about his preferred exit strategy, Vitek indicated he has no strong preference between a loan move or a permanent transfer. "I am ready to go for both, to be fair. Depends what the club wants, depends on the options, we'll see. There is interest on the table, but we are hoping to get the best one," he said.
Chasing Regular Game Time
The goalkeeper emphasized his primary goal is to play every week. "My mind is the same, I want to play every week, that is the goal for next season. I think hopefully we will find out soon where that is gonna be," Vitek added. He also reflected on his development during his loan spells: "I think I have grown in the past two and a half years, I've been on a few loans. I have grown person-wise, and on the pitch as well. I feel ready before the season for a loan."
Vitek's comments come as Manchester United continue their pre-season preparations under manager Michael Carrick, with the club expected to make decisions on several fringe players before the transfer window closes.
