Manchester United have secured Champions League football and are putting themselves in a promising position ahead of next season. The club need to invest in the squad once again this summer, but some of their problems are solving themselves.

The goalkeeping department at United has been a chaotic situation in recent years, but the arrival of Senne Lammens has steadied the ship. The young Belgian shot-stopper has brought calmness and security to the team since his move from Royal Antwerp last summer.

With the likes of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir seemingly out of the picture at United, we could see the club dip into the market for a backup option in between the sticks to cover Lammens. However, the answer could be staring them in the face.

Despite never making an appearance for United's senior team, Radek Vitek is a popular name amongst many fans.

The 22-year-old has spent this season on loan at Bristol City, where he has impressed throughout the 2025/26 Championship campaign. After a successful season, United will be forced to decide on Vitek's future, but they must consider what is best for both the club and the player.

Vitek joined United in 2020 as a 16-year-old, leaving his home country Czech Republic behind. Since then, Vitek has developed through the academy system and has enjoyed numerous loan spells where he has gained valuable experience.

For this campaign, Vitek was loaned to Bristol City in the Championship, finishing in 12th place as the season came to an end yesterday. He was initially seen as a quality backup option but quickly earned his spot in the starting XI after an injury to Bristol's first choice goalkeeper.

Vitek's outstanding performances saw him keep his spot in the team and go onto have a brilliant season individually. It was even a clean sweep in the end of season awards for the United loanee, with Vitek winning Bristol's Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year. 

This is a huge achievement for the young goalkeeper and a very deserved reward for his fantastic form. His development has been eagerly monitored by United fans, and many are keen to see him given a chance in the first team. 

At 22 years old, Vitek is still at the early stages of his goalkeeping career. So far, his journey has been impressive and his potential is clear to see. It will be interesting to see what United decide to do come the summer transfer window.

The club has to make sure it considers everything before making a decision. For example, they must consider what is best for Vitek's development, with MailSport's Nathan Salt commenting that the most likely path will be either a sale or loan.

Whether United chose Vitek's destiny to be another loan move, either back to the Championship or even in the Premier League, or a promotion to the first team providing cover for Senne Lammens, United have to be careful not to hinder his progress.

His pathway to being United's number one may have taken a hit with the arrival of Lammens last year. The Belgian is just a year older than Vitek and has been outstanding for United this season. It is hard to see the club moving away from Lammens anytime soon so this is something that will be in the mind of all parties.

Another loan move could be ideal for United, preferably at a Premier League club, where he could get used to the physicality of the top flight. At 6'6" and with Championship experience, this will likely not be a struggle for the Czech, so a move like this could bring more exposure and value to Vitek.

Whatever United's plan is for Vitek, there is no doubting his quality and his potential. It is understood that he will return to the club this summer and there will be discussions regarding his future. The young goalkeeper is a valuable asset to United and an exciting player to have in the ranks. It will be interesting to see what comes next for him.