Manchester United prospect took part in secret friendly for new club months ago as loan move now sealed, manager reveals

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The steady flow of Manchester United players leaving to sign loan deals is not slowing down just yet.

Another Manchester United player has left the club on loan, with goalkeeper Radek Vitek securing the first move of his career.

Radek Vitek has joined Accrington Stanley until the end of the season, who currently rank 12th in League Two.

Manchester United signed Vitek from Czech Republic side Sigma Olomouc in summer 2020, and he has gone on to feature regularly in Manchester United’s academy.

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Radek Vitek signs new deal

Manchester United confirmed Radek Vitek’s loan move until the rest of the season, and also announced the goalkeeper has signed a new contract.

Vitek has signed a deal which runs until June 2027, a lengthy extension reflecting the club’s faith in the young shot-stopper.

He has made the first team bench under Erik ten Hag both this season and last season, but is yet to make his debut.

The 20-year-old was part of Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup winning side in 2022 along with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

Accrington Stanley boss on Radek Vitek

Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman is delighted to have secured Vitek on loan, and has admitted a deal was close last summer, with the young prospect even representing the club in a trial.

He explained, via their club website: “Radek is someone who we monitored in the summer, he actually played for us in a friendly, but it just wasn’t possible to bring him in in the summer.

“He’s a good goalkeeper, he’s decent with his feet, he can command his area, and ultimately, goalkeepers are judged on keeping the ball out of the net, so hopefully he’ll do that for us.”

Radek Vitek pleased with loan opportunity

Vitek added that he is looking forward to getting involved, adding: “I want to start as soon as possible and I think the move to Accrington will suit me, and I hope to get as many games as possible.

“That’s the main thing, I want to start playing regularly and get some important matches under my belt.”

This weekend Accrington Stanley travel to Forest Green Rovers, where Vitek could go up against fellow Manchester United loanee Maxi Oyedele.

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