MANCHESTER UNITED youth prospect Radek Vitek has joined Austrian club Blau-Weiss Linz on a season-long loan.
Vitek, 20, left Man Utd fans impressed with his pre-season efforts this summer, but has headed out on loan to gain more valuable experience in the men’s game.
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Vitek spent the second half of last season on loan with Accrington Stanley in League Two, making 18 appearances and keeping four clean sheets.
The 6ft 6in shot-stopper is yet to register a professional appearance for the Red Devils, but was given a chance to impress during United’s pre-season preparations this summer.
Vitek started in between the sticks during Man Utd’s 1-0 defeat to Norwegian side Rosenborg last month.
And despite the result not going to plan, the Czech Republic youth prospect left fans impressed with his ability.
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Some labelled him as “the second coming of [Gianluigi] Buffon”, while United legend Ronny Johnsen gushed about the youngster during his MUTV summary of the clash.
Vitek joined Man Utd back in 2020 from Czech outfit Sigma Olomouc and has since risen through the youth ranks at Carrington.
While he has also represented the Czech Republic at youth level for the U15s, U17s and most recently the U20s.
Although he is yet to play for the Man Utd first ream, Vitek earned a spot on the bench three times last season before his switch to Accrington Stanley.
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He was an unused substitute for the Red Devils’ Champions League clashes with Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, as well as their 2-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Tottenham.
A statement from Manchester United read: “Radek Vitek will spend the season away from Manchester United, as he is joining Blau-Weiss Linz on loan, subject to registration.
“The Austrian Bundesliga should provide valuable experience for the 20-year-old, who illustrated his potential with an outstanding display in our opening pre-season friendly, against Rosenborg in Norway.”
Adding: “We’d like to wish Radek the very best for his spell at his new club, where we will be following his progress very closely.”
