Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has made it clear he wants to leave the club this summer after playing the second half of a pre-season friendly defeat to Wrexham. The 22-year-old Czech shot-stopper told reporters he hopes a move materialises soon, as he seeks regular first-team football that he believes is unavailable at Old Trafford.
Vitek's stance after Wrexham loss
Vitek played the full 45 minutes of the second half in United's 1-0 loss to Wrexham in Helsinki on Saturday, with Sam Smith scoring the only goal before the break. After the match, Vitek stated: "I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see. We will see what is going to happen." He added: "At the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete."
Desire for regular football
Vitek has spent the previous two-and-a-half seasons on loan, most recently impressing at Championship side Bristol City, where he dominated their Player of the Year awards last season. He is now determined to secure a starting role elsewhere. "My mind is still the same," he said. "I want to play. I want to play every week and that is the goal for next season. I think hopefully I will find out soon where that is going to be."
United's first-choice goalkeeper is now Senne Lammens, with Andre Onana already loaned to Trabzonspor and Altay Bayindir also expected to depart. The club signed experienced keeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, but Vitek has no interest in being a backup. "I am ready for both, to be fair. Depends what the club wants and also depends on the options. We will see," he said regarding a loan or permanent move.
Interest and future plans
Vitek confirmed there is interest from other clubs: "There have been a few interests on the table. But we hope to get the best one and hopefully it will happen soon." United are reportedly considering selling the young goalkeeper, whose prospects of displacing Lammens are considered remote. Vitek has been training at Carrington and benefiting from the guidance of 40-year-old Tom Heaton and goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson. "I have been working here with Craig nearly six years now," Vitek said. "And obviously with Tom as well, quite a long time. They have been massively important. Also this pre-season, it helps me a lot."
Vitek reflected on his growth: "I think I grew over the past two-and-a-half years when I went on a few loans. I grew in a person-wise, on the pitch as well." He is now waiting for the right opportunity to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
