Radek Vitek: Everything you need to know as teenager makes Manchester United bench

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Manchester United have named Radek Vitek on the bench for tonight’s Europa League clash against Sevilla.

Here is a quick refresher on Radek Vitek with everything you need to know…

Why is Radek Vitek on the bench?

Manchester United can name an expanded substitutes bench in the Europa League. Normally this includes two goalkeepers.

Tom Heaton is out injured, so Radek Vitek has got the call to join Jack Butland backing up David de Gea.

This is bad news for Nathan Bishop, but also testament to the strong progress Vitek is making.

Who is Radek Vitek?

Radek Vitek is a goalkeeper who agreed to sign for Manchester United back in April 2020 from Czech side Sigmy Olomouc.

He had previously undergone trials with Southampton before Manchester United snapped him up.

Vitek is physically imposing, listed as 1.98m tall, above 6ft 4″. He starred for Manchester United last season in the FA Youth Cup.

He was part of the team alongside Alejandro Garnacho which won the competition and now 19, he has stepped up to under-21 level.

Vitek was part of Manchester United’s travelling squad for the Europa League game against Sheriff Tiraspol earlier in the season.

The Athletic reported last year his goalkeeping style has drawn comparisons to Peter Schmeichel and Oliver Kahn.

If he can live up either of their careers, he will have done very well. He likely won’t be needed tonight against Sevilla, but this is a sign the arrow is pointing in the right direction for him, and it is great experience.