Radek Vitek: Man United set to unleash Championship star as major shake-up looms next season

Manchester United’s goalkeeping landscape is heading for another overhaul, and the next name in line for a first-team audition is Radek Vitek. After a transformative loan spell at Bristol City, the 22-year-old Czech is poised to return to Old Trafford this summer and stake a genuine claim to become Senne Lammens’ deputy.

United believed they had solved their keeper conundrum last August when they beat the 2026 deadline to sign Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens. The Belgian has delivered on his “Baby Courtois” billing, losing only twice in 20 league outings and producing a string of match-defining saves. Yet the club hierarchy accept the position remains one injury away from vulnerability.

Altay Bayindir’s six-start audition earlier in the campaign did little to inspire confidence; the Turkish international is now expected to head back to the Super Lig. Tom Heaton turns 40 in April and will retire, while Andre Onana’s loan at Trabzonspor is anticipated to be made permanent. That exodus would leave Lammens as the solitary senior keeper on the books.

INEOS could re-enter the market for reinforcements, but recruitment chiefs are increasingly convinced the answer already belongs to United. Rich Fay of Manchester World argues Vitek offers the ideal profile: “someone who can seriously challenge Lammens for the starting role, but who will also be content with a back-up position.”

Vitek’s credentials are compelling. Signed initially as short-term injury cover for Bristol City’s Max O’Leary, he seized the gloves so convincingly that the Robins sanctioned O’Leary’s January exit to West Brom. In 26 Championship matches Vitek has recorded nine clean sheets and a highlight-reel of reflex stops that have become social-media staples. Coaches at Ashton Gate insist his impact is best appreciated live, where his positioning and command of the area are as eye-catching as his acrobatic blocks.

Statistically, the gap between Vitek and Lammens is razor-thin. Both keepers are enjoying breakout 2025-26 campaigns, and United analysts believe the 22-year-old’s trajectory mirrors that of the Belgian prodigy. With European football back on the agenda and domestic cups to contest, Erik ten Hag’s staff see Vitek as a cost-effective solution who could push Lammens while accepting a squad role.

Unless a late twist forces United back into the transfer fray, the expectation inside Carrington is that Vitek will be promoted to the senior set-up when pre-season begins in July. After years of instability between the posts, the club hope a home-grown challenger can finally provide the long-term stability their modern keepers have lacked.