Manchester United's promising young goalkeeper Radek Vitek has made his January transfer intentions clear, expressing his desire to remain with Championship side Bristol City for the remainder of the season rather than returning to Old Trafford.
Loan star's immediate plans
The 22-year-old Czech shot-stopper, who joined United from Sigma Olomouc in 2020, is currently enjoying a productive loan spell with Bristol City where he has kept five clean sheets in 15 appearances this season. Despite Manchester United inserting a recall clause in his loan agreement, Vitek has explicitly stated he does not want that option activated when the January transfer window opens.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Vitek explained his reasoning: "At the moment the main goal is probably to stay here the whole season and play as many matches as possible. Every game brings different challenges and that's how you get as a young keeper the most experience."
The long-term Manchester United ambition
While committed to Bristol City for the immediate future, Vitek hasn't hidden his ultimate ambition to establish himself as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper. The young keeper described it as his "dream" to eventually play for the Red Devils' senior team, though he remains focused on his current development path.
"That's my plan but I will do my maximum for that and we will see - let's take game by game and now I'm focussing to play for Bristol City and do my best," Vitek added. "One day it would be a dream to play for Manchester United but I take game by game and I know there's a big challenge in front of me but I want to improve every week."
United's goalkeeping reshuffle
Vitek's comments come after significant changes to Manchester United's goalkeeping department during the summer transfer window. Former number one Andre Onana was loaned to Turkish side Trabzonspor following inconsistent performances, while reserve goalkeeper Atlay Bayindir also struggled when given opportunities.
The club responded by signing Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18 million, with the new arrival making five appearances and keeping one clean sheet so far. Lammens is expected to start against Everton this weekend, further illustrating the competitive environment Vitek will eventually return to at Old Trafford.
Vitek's loan experience at Bristol City follows previous spells with Accrington Stanley and Austrian side Blau-Weiss Linz, all part of what appears to be a carefully managed development plan by Manchester United for their promising young goalkeeper.
