It’s been a breakout season for Radek Vitek.

The Manchester United goalkeeper has enjoyed a very rewarding loan spell at Bristol City so far – a move that came as City’s former number one Max O’Leary suffered an ankle injury at the end of last season, forcing the club to look for a short-term replacement.

Vitek joined the team on a season-long loan but has performed beyond expectations when he arrived at the club and O’Leary has been left out of the squad as he recovers from injury as the young Czech goalkeeper continues to perform.

“It was a little sudden, sure,” Wittek said. “I know I’m going out on loan this season because I reached an agreement with the coach and it’s the best thing and to get more experience at a higher level than last year.

“It was a no-brainer because playing for a club like Bristol City was really attractive to me.

“After talking to Gerhard Struber, I immediately said yes.”

Wittek had previously been loaned to Accrington Stanley in League Two before spending a season in Austria, but Wittek’s outstanding performance at Manchester City helped Manchester City finish eighth.

“I’m still young but I would describe myself as a goalkeeper who likes to be dominant but also have confidence in the team in front of me so they can rely on me,” Wittek explained.

“Everything just came together from day one. The people around the club, the city…everyone was great to me from day one and the fans were great.”

“The first away game, Sheffield Wednesday… celebrating a win like this is a great memory. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this one.”

Joining Manchester United at 16…and his future?

Witek, who grew up in the Czech Republic, admits he was a shy kid, perhaps more introverted than you might imagine for a goalie who is now 6-foot-6.

Wittek admits that he didn’t start his football career as a goalkeeper, having played in various positions as a youngster, but like other kids who enter their growth spurt earlier than others, he was thrown in because he was always the tallest in his age group.

After joining the youth academy of Czech side SK Sigma Olomouc, Vitek was soon invited to trial with various clubs in England after attracting attention in his home country.

But for the 16-year-old Vitek, there is only one club that interests him.

“I knew immediately that Manchester United wanted me,” Wittek said. “They told me immediately after the seven-week trial that they wanted me to sign.

“That was when Covid hit – I was at home for six months but I didn’t have any doubts because I felt very confident about the conversations I had with the coach in Manchester.

“Obviously my club are aware of my interest as well and they’ve discussed contracts and things like that with Manchester United so it’s basically done – some of my team-mates can’t believe it because it’s not something that happens every day when someone goes from a Czech academy to a club like Manchester United.”

Nearly six years after signing with the club, this feels like a huge milestone in Wittek’s football journey and development.

Playing regularly and showing what he can do at a club of Bristol City’s size has clearly done wonders for him.

This will no doubt be pleasing to Manchester United fans as he is highly rated at Carrington. Although Sené Lamenz has impressed at Manchester United since his arrival in the summer, there is still a sense of urgency in the fight for the No.1 jersey at this moment.

So could we see Radek Vitek wearing that shirt one day?

“I’m taking it step by step and we’ll see next summer what’s best for me,” Wittek said. “I speak to United’s goalkeeper coach regularly and he comes here to watch me play and I have a good connection with them.

“I know they’re watching me and I’m really grateful that I’m not just a forgotten person.

“Obviously in the long term I would love to play for Manchester United one day, but I’m also realistic and I know my path can lead to different places as well.”