The next step in Manchester United’s transfer plans emerged recently with their interest in goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic but it would be a mistake as they already have a much better prospect in their ranks.
Goalkeeper is not a position anyone thought would become an immediate concern at Manchester United when Ruben Amorim took over.
Andre Onana was actually having a good season up until he arrived, but his form has taken a complete nosedive, even if there are some recent signs of life.
Still, there’s an unease with him between the sticks, and Altay Bayindir is no better, leading to United’s links to Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Man Utd’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic chase
There’s a certain familiarity with United’s chase for Milinkovic-Savic because he was a Man Utd player for a while before work permit issues forced the club to let him go.
It’s a credit to the player that he recovered from that unexpected setback in sensational fashion, now one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers.
Milinkovic-Savic is outshining David de Gea in Italy and United’s search for a goalkeeper has landed them on the 6’8″ monster who’s quite a presence in goal.
Milinkovic-Savic isn’t as good with his feet but his shot-stopping skills will sort out United’s Achilles heel as Onana’s unforced errors have cost the club many times.
But what if United could get Milinkovic-Savic’s shot-stopping skills, his physical presence in the box along with potentially elite ball-playing skills?
United already have that player in their 6’6″ giant Radek Vitek, who’s shone this season on loan and should be given a chance to stake his claim at Old Trafford next season.
Radek Vitek is Man Utd’s Milinkovic-Savic alternative
It is ironic that United chase Milinkovic-Savic who was once on their books when the current “Milinkovic-Savic” on their books can be much better.
Radek Vitek shone on loan last season in English football, was the hero of Man Utd’s pre-season last summer, and has continued his exploits at BW Linz.
Vitek is a huge favourite in Austria for his clutch goalkeeping skills and his ball-playing game has taken another huge leap. Stats from Sofascore speak volumes about a player who’s shown the ability to thrive in a difficult league for a team not always the favourite to win in their games.
He’s the first name on the teamsheet in Linz and his displays in intense derby games have separated him out as a big-game player.
His contract at United expires in 2027 so he deserves a chance to establish himself at Old Trafford due to the uncertain goalkeeping situation.
He’s what Milinkovic-Savic could have been had work permit issues not hindered his journey at the club. United can’t repeat that mistake when they already have a much better alternative at the club this time around.
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