Man United fans hail ‘gem talent’ as 20-year-old stars in club’s first pre-season match while Erik ten Hag faces calls to give the youngster more chances
- Manchester United fans were full of praise for a young player after Monday’s defeat
- Erik ten Hag was furious when his team was defeated in the first practice match
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Attentive Manchester United fans believe they may have spotted the club’s next top talent during Monday’s opening game of the new season.
Erik ten Hag began his Premier League preparations with a trip to Norway and was then furious when United lost to Rosenborg.
The United manager, now in his third year in charge, was furious that the performances during the friendly were ‘not the norm for top-flight football’, but fans praised the performance of one youngster.
Czech goalkeeper Radek Vítek was the only United star player to play the entire match at Lerkendal Stadium in Trondheim, making several fine saves.
The 20-year-old joined United from Czech Premier League club Sigma Olomouc four years ago, rising through the ranks and also playing for his country at youth level.
Czech goalkeeper Radek Vítek was the only United star player to play the entire match
Vitek made several great saves as fans praised his brilliant performance in the friendly
Vitek started in goal for United as Andre Onana did not travel with the team to Norway
Fans got their first glimpse of Vitek in the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana, who did not travel with the team in preparation for United’s upcoming major tour of the United States.
A chaotic first half saw Vitek forced to make several saves as the 13-time Premier League champions attempted to shake off the remainder of the match, some of which had not been played since the FA Cup title win over Man City.
Vitek made a great save from close range after United’s defence fell apart.
Fans reacted on social media to the goalkeeper’s play and were enthusiastic. They called for Vitek to be given more chances by Ten Hag in the coming season.
One fan reacted to the future star’s exit, posting on X: ‘I’ve said this about Vitek before, I admired him in the first half. He’s an absolute gem.’
Another added: ‘He is unreal… and makes unreal saves’ after seeing Vitek in action.
“Better than Onana,” said another United supporter who compared Vitek to the club’s No.1.
United legend Ronny Johnsen was full of praise for the goalkeeper after the game, telling MUFC: ‘His saves were very important. And for a goalkeeper it’s important to make those saves in your first game.
“He rose and made himself great – which he is.”