Manchester United academy youngster signs new deal before completing loan move to League Two outfit

Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has completed a temporary move to League Two outfit Accrington Stanley, making him the ninth loan departure of the January window.

The news was confirmed this evening by United after the Czech international put pen to paper on a new contract, which keeps him tied to the club until 2027.

He’ll now be looking to gain some pivotal senior experience with Accrington for the remainder of the 2023/2024 campaign before heading back to Carrington in the summer.

Official: Radek Vitek has joined Accrington Stanley on loan after extending his #mufc contract until 2027 pic.twitter.com/Fd9ancXKtF

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) January 25, 2024

Despite being named on the first-team bench seven times under Erik ten Hag, Vitek is yet to be granted his United debut after three-and-a-half years with the academy. He did, however, play a crucial role in the U18s’ FA Youth Cup success in 2022, winning the trophy alongside now-promoted Reds Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in front of over 67,000 fans at Old Trafford.

Vitek reacts to Accrington move

Upon his arrival at Wham Stadium, the 20-year-old expressed (via Accrington’s official website): “I want to start as soon as possible and I think the move to Accrington will suit me, and I hope to get as many games as possible.

“That’s the main thing, I want to start playing regularly and get some important matches under my belt.”