Radek Vítek: Future Manchester United Star Set to Shine at Ashton Gate.

Radek Vítek for Manchester United.

Manchester United academy goalkeeper, Radek Vítek, is set to join Championship side Bristol City on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 season.

Vítek joined the famous Manchester United academy from Sigma Olomouc in his homeland of Czechia in 2020, making the move at the tender age of just 16. Life in England took a little while for Radek to adapt to, but he began to impose himself within the Manchester United Academy's Under-18s side towards the end of the 2020/21 season.

By the 2021/22 season, Vítek was United’s Under-18s first choice goalkeeper, and was instrumental in their run to the FA Youth Cup triumph in front of 67,000 people at Old Trafford, starting in the final in a starting 11 that included current United first-teamers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

Radek Vítek (left centre), behind Alejandro Garnacho (centre), celebrating Manchester United's FA Youth Cup Win.

The following season saw a step-up to United’s Under-21s side, and despite an underwhelming season from the team, Vítek played a large role and began to really develop into his 6’6” frame. United were poor defensively across the season, but the amount of work he was forced into proved great experience for the Czech. His fast reflexes are one of the most noticeable traits of his - aside from his evident size. His development as a more modern ‘ball-playing goalkeeper’ really started to blossom too, frequently showing elite ability at playing out from the back; both his short and long-range distribution were second to none for keepers in his age group. He’s got the vision to play long balls over the top and in behind opposition defences, and the technical proficiency to pick out his on-rushing teammates.

He spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Accrington Stanley, making his first foray into senior football in League 2. Adapting to the more physical and robust style of the men’s game was a learning curve, but he adapted quickly and well. There were times during the loan he was tested, and bested physically, but his growth over the 6 month loan was noticeable.

After an impressive end to the season with Stanley, Vítek returned to United and had his first involvement with the first team ahead of the 2024/25 season. He made his (unofficial) Manchester United debut against Rosenborg ahead of their US Tour, and stood out straight away. He looked at home as a key part of the United defensive unit, albeit a fairly inexperienced one outside of Jonny Evans. The Manchester Evening News called his performance ‘outstanding’ and he was United’s highest rated player by some margin in a team that included the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, and Casemiro. MEN’s synopsis of his debut gives an insight into the kind of goalkeeper he is:

“A superb performance, reeling off a string of sharp saves with the best of the lot a one- handed effort to stop Sunde's shot. Also good on the ball and taking up high positions. 9/10.”

Radek Vítek makes a low save on his Manchester United debut against Rosenborg.

After such an impressive display in pre-season, it was fairly apparent that Vítek needed a full season as a first-choice goalkeeper to further his development, despite clamour from a number of United fans for him to stick around as deputy to Andre Onana. He joined Austrian Bundesliga side Blau-Weiß Linz (one of current Bristol City striker Fally Mayulu’s former clubs) on a season-long loan for the 2024/25 campaign, and immediately took the gloves as undisputed No. 1. Linz defied all expectations by qualifying for the Championship Playoff, and despite ending the season in sixth place, Vítek had by now truly established himself as an exceptional prospect. When he returned to United for a second time, and after an injury to Andre Onana ahead of pre-season, many expected Vítek to be handed the gloves before it was confirmed he’d be heading out on loan again, this time, to Bristol City.

A physical frame such as his is a highly desired asset in goalkeepers, and he uses his size very well. His height is one thing, but his strength both in the air and when making point-blank reflex saves is another. He’s got incredibly strong hands and rarely lets weak shots slip through his grasp (something United definitely could have benefited from in place of Onana!). His reach and wingspan match up with his towering stature, and he’s easily capable of getting to shots tucked right in either corner. One criticism of his however, is his tendency to parry shots back into central areas. He’s very good at stopping the initial shot, but an improvement needs to be made on his ability to push his saves wide, rather than back into the danger area. There’s also a tendency to make ‘camera-saves’, sometimes going with his ‘wrong hand’ when at full stretch, but it’s a technique that, for the most part, seems to work for him. Where he’d be an immediate and obvious upgrade on Max O’Leary for Bristol City, is in his aerial command and dominance when claiming crosses. Sure, his body helps, but his anticipation and proactive nature usually makes him favourite for those floated balls into the box. He’s strong and decisive in the air, and there aren’t many players who’ll be able to outmuscle him. Another area in which he displays goalkeeping maturity beyond his young 21 years, is in 1v1s. His ability to quickly move off his line and efficiently shut down angles and space is almost Schmeichel-esque. He stays big and positions himself well to prevent as many options as the attacker may have, and is equally adept at using his long legs to make saves.

Radek Vítek for Blau-Weiß Linz.

Despite all of his incredible ability and mesmerising potential, Vítek is still raw. Mistakes should be expected across the season at Championship level, but there’s little doubt in my mind that he has the minerals to displace Max O’Leary as Bristol City’s #1 once the Irishman returns from injury. He’s the kind of figure that instills confidence in the defenders in front of him, and there were a few instances last season when O’Leary appeared to do the opposite.

Whether there will be an option for City to purchase Vítek after his loan remains to be seen - if there is, the Lansdowns will have pulled off a major coup. There are a number of influential figures in the Manchester United academy and hierarchy who see Vítek as the 20-time English champions’ future #1. So in all likelihood, United won’t want to let go of a talent so highly regarded at Carrington that easily, but watching his development over the next year at Ashton Gate will be fascinating.