Manchester United’s goalkeeper Radek Vitek has been on loan with Bristol City this season, and his form has put him in the running for a first-team place next season.
There have been plenty of loans this season, but Manchester United will be most thrilled with Radek Vitek’s performances, which have regularly been top-class.
United are excited by Vitek and the manner in which he has played on loan, with serious suggestions that he could challenge Senne Lammens next season.
Now, Vitek has discussed his loan with one comment indicating he wouldn’t be all that keen on playing second fiddle to Lammens.
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Radek Vitek not interested on sitting on Manchester United bench
Speaking with BBC Sport during this international break, Vitek has commented on how valuable it is for him to be playing regularly right now.
“I came here to play a few games at the start because the number one was injured,” said Vitek, who was signed as cover for Max O’Leary – and then kept his place, after he moved to West Brom in January.
“He had been here a long time, so it was difficult to keep the shirt, but in the back of my mind, I always wanted to stay here and play the whole season. That was my goal.
“At this stage in my career, I want to play as many games as possible. I wouldn’t benefit from sitting on the bench.”
Playing as many games as possible likely wouldn’t lend itself to sitting on the bench for United behind a brilliant Lammens.
For the good of his own career, Vitek probably needs to leave United this summer again, either on a loan in the Premier League or permanently, like Matej Kovar did.
Vitek is among the best goalkeepers in the Championship, which should be more than enough to see him in one of Europe’s top five leagues next season.
One thing that is sure, it will be a hard sell to make Vitek number two next season.
Is Radek Vitek READY to be playing for Manchester United?
Can he challenge Lammens? Or does he need another loan?
Vitek reveals his goalkeeping idols
At just 22, Vitek already possesses a lot of the qualities that could make him a top-tier goalkeeper.
He’s had the privilege of learning from some great goalkeepers in his career, as he has outlined in his interview.
“You can look at him [Petr Cech] as an example from a young age for me,” said Vitek about his compatriot.
“He set records in the Premier League, the best league in the world, which says everything.
“I try to look at many goalkeepers because everyone is good at something different.
“I could say Manuel Neuer, for what he has done in that position over the years. Later on, I was lucky to be with David de Gea, Andre Onana, and Tom Heaton – many good goalkeepers at Manchester United. I learned different things from them.”
If Vitek wants to follow in his heroes’ footsteps, being second choice won’t be in his plans, and he won’t want to stay at United next season if that’s the case.
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