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6ft 4" teenager trains with Man Utd first-team ahead of FA Cup final, Garnacho knows him well

6ft 4" teenager trains with Man Utd first-team ahead of FA Cup final, Garnacho knows him well

Man Utd have called up one of their young prospects.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

Manchester United have called up goalkeeper Radek Vitek to train with the first team squad ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The 19-year-old shot-stopper was pictured in training this week ahead of the showpiece fixture at Wembley, with Vitek put through his paces alongside David de Gea, Tom Heaton and Jack Butland.

His inclusion as part of the senior group continues a policy set by manager Erik ten Hag throughout his first season in charge. Before matches - mainly in the cup competitions - the Dutchman has allowed members of United's academy to train with the first team.

The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have benefitted from this the most, with the former having played an important role for United this season.

Zidane Iqbal and Tyler Fredericson are among the other young prospects to have trained with the first team, although neither have made their debuts.

And while Vitek is highly unlikely to play any part at Wembley, barring an injury crisis, he appears to have taken another step in his development.

Vitek trains with Man Utd squad

The goalkeeper, who has represented Czech Republic at youth level, has been seen in photos posted by United's official website ahead of the final.

Born in 2003, he moved to Manchester from Czech side Sigma Olomouc.

He started all six of United's fixtures in last season's FA Youth Cup as Travis Binnion's side went on to lift the trophy, putting in a string of impressive displays.

Also in the side throughout that run was Garnacho, with the Argentinian playing 90 minutes in the win over Nottingham Forest in the final.

Standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, The Athletic compared his goalkeeping style to United legend Peter Schmeichel and Bayern Munich icon Oliver Kahn in April 2022.

He is yet to make his senior debut for the club, but was named on the bench for both legs of United's Europa League quarter final defeat to Sevilla, and for group stage matches at Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, FA Cup, Manchester City, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.