Manchester United’s young loanee throws down the gauntlet to Onana, aiming to become United’s first-choice! Reports say Cech is helping his development.

Manchester United’s 21-year-old goalkeeper Radek Vitek has been loaned out to Championship side Bristol City this summer, marking his third loan spell. However, before departing, the club extended his contract for another three years. Vitek boldly stated his ambition to return to Old Trafford in the future, replacing Andre Onana and Bayindir to become the number one keeper.

Vitek made a strong impression during last season’s pre-season matches, then joined Austria’s Blau-Weiß Linz on loan, where he performed excellently and helped the club finish sixth in the league.

After his latest loan move, Vitek quickly earned rave reviews for his outstanding performance against Charlton Athletic, being named Man of the Match. In an interview with the Bristol press, Vitek made it clear that his ultimate goal is to be Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Gaining experience in the Championship is considered the final step for United goalkeepers before breaking into the first team. Dean Henderson, now a key figure in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup and Community Shield victories, made his United debut after impressing in the Championship.

Vitek said, “My plan is to one day be United’s number one keeper. I don’t know how long it will take, or if I’ll ever achieve it, but I’ll do everything I can to improve. After the season or halfway through, we’ll see what happens next. Playing in the Championship is a big step forward compared to last season. The Austrian Bundesliga is great, but I think the Championship is another level. It’s a fiercely competitive league, and as you can see, any team can beat the others.”

Reflecting on his debut, Vitek said, “It was a great challenge, and as you saw today, the match was very physically demanding. Charlton used a man-marking strategy, so there were lots of long balls and runs from the back, which made it tough for everyone on the pitch. But I think I’m ready for the challenge, and so far, I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Although Vitek hasn’t yet played for the Czech senior team, he is part of the Czech U20 squad. He revealed that his idol, Czech legend and former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, has been helping him face challenges. “My hero growing up was definitely Cech, because he’s the best Czech goalkeeper, and maybe one of the best in the world,” Vitek explained.

He recalled, “Ever since I was five or six and started playing as a goalkeeper in my village team because I was tall, I’ve always looked up to Cech. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to meet him a few times because we share the same agent, and he’s been great to me. We’ve talked a few times, and I’m really happy—he’s given me advice and even shown me videos, pointing out what I should pay attention to. That shows what a fantastic person he is.”

While Vitek’s chances of becoming United’s number one are slim, he could realistically compete for a backup role if he’s willing. United’s current manager, Ruben Amorim, was known in Portugal for giving youth players opportunities, and English media report that he may promote a Red Devils academy talent this season—17-year-old Bendito Mantato.

Reportedly, Mantato’s attitude and tactical ability in the youth team last season made a strong impression on the 40-year-old Portuguese coach.

Sources from “GIVEMESPORT” reveal that when Amorim assesses players, mentality is a key factor, whether for young prospects or seasoned veterans. Mantato stands out in this regard and could earn bigger, better chances, especially in the League Cup or FA Cup.

Born in 2008, Mantato joined United at age nine. Last season, he scored nine goals for the U18s, added two goals and five assists for the U21s, and was named in United’s first-team squad for the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. Amorim believes Mantato has all the qualities to become a left wing-back, even though he was previously a speedy winger and has been dubbed United’s own Saka.