Chelsea legend left amazed by 6’6″ United youngster still waiting for his debut for Red Devils

It is hard to argue against Radek Vitek being the standout Manchester United loanee of the 2025-26 season. Yes, Marcus Rashford has also been brilliant on loan at Barcelona, contributing 13 goals and 14 assists in 46 games. However, some, especially Spanish media, still feel he has not been as impactful as he can be. Vitek, on the other hand, has become something of a modern-day hero to Bristol City fans. The 22-year-old has been a massive hit for the Robins. It is no wonder they crowned him their Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Players’ Player of the Year. Player of the Year 🏆Young Player of the Year 🏆Players’ Player of the Year 🏆 What a season for Radek Vítek. 👏 pic.twitter.com/7f0hPSQLhT — Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) May 2, 2026 Radek Vitek showered with praise What an achievement for the United loanee, and former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has been among those singing his praises. Cech, on The BBC, argues that, based on what his compatriot has shown over the past two seasons, he is ready to kick on. He said: “It’s important to play. Of course, there are situations where sometimes you know that you have a big chance to come back and fight for your position. That’s a different thing. “But as it stands at United, Lammens has done really well. I’m sure he [Vitek] will want to go somewhere and continue playing.” The legendary Premier League goalkeeper then went on to make the case for why he believes Vitek is ready for the top level: “It’s great to see him progress because playing for the Under-21s with United is one thing, but then he played men’s football in Austria, which went really well for him, then he came back to England with Bristol City and did well there. “That obviously gives him an opportunity to attract even attention from teams in the Premier League. “I met him a couple of years ago, when we had a training session and talked about things. I could see he’s got the hunger and the willingness to get better.” Vitek has proven his mettle Cech is simply saying what many have already observed: Vitek is primed for a big 2026-27 season after proving himself in the Championship. Well, according to FotMob, the young goalkeeper averages an impressive 3.3 saves per 90 minutes, bettered by only one Championship goalkeeper. He carries a 71.3 save percentage, recorded the fourth-most clean sheets despite missing six fixtures during the festive period through injury, and has prevented the fourth-most goals in the division. It is unfortunate for him that Senne Lammens has arrived and made such an immediate impact at United, because had that not been the case, there would be little debate over who should be United’s first-choice goalkeeper next season. That said, with Altay Bayındır and Andre Onana both expected to leave in the summer, it will be fascinating to see whether Vitek can be convinced to stay, given his desire for regular football, or whether he will be sold. What is certain, however, is that if United do sell him, it could prove a decision they come to regret, given the big future Vitek appears destined for. Featured image Ed Sykes via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.