Radek Vitek’s future was the subject of speculation during the summer transfer window, with the goalkeeper appearing in Manchester United’s first pre-season friendly against Wrexham.
Radek Vitek has opened up about his future (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has admitted he wants to leave Old Trafford to play regular football. Vitek, 22, spent last season on loan at Bristol City in the Championship and had a fantastic season, sweeping the year-end awards.
The Czech player is delighted to be number one and hopes to play the same role in the 2026-27 season. But he knows he will have to go elsewhere to become first choice, as Senne Lamence has secured his place at United.
After playing the second half of the Red Devils’ first pre-season friendly in Helsinki on Saturday, a 1-0 loss to Wrexham, Vitek told reporters: “I feel really good and I’m ready to go somewhere again, hopefully be number one, so we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”
“At the moment I’m still here, but we’ll see. I hope so. I hope there’s some interest. I guess we’ll see when things become more concrete.”
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Asked if he would be happy to leave permanently rather than go on loan again, Vitek replied: “To be fair, I’m ready for both. It depends on what the club wants, it depends on the options. We’ll see.”
“There are several interests on the table. But we want to get the best one and we hope that happens soon.”
The clubs interested are Hull City and Ipswich Town, who were promoted to the Premier League last season. “My heart is still the same,” Vitek added.
“I want to play. I want to play every week and that’s my goal for next season. Hopefully I’ll see where it is soon. I think I’ve grown in the last two-and-a-half years with some loans. I’ve grown on the pitch and as a person.”
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Radek Vitek is open to leaving Manchester United permanently (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Regardless of what the future holds for Vitek, he is grateful for the guidance of teammate Tom Heaton, 40, and goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson. “I’ve been working here with Craig for almost six years,” the 22-year-old explained. “And obviously I’ve known Tom for quite some time.
“They’ve been very important, and they’ve helped us a lot this preseason as well. I’m looking forward to working with them to prepare as best as we can.”
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