Leaked photos have shown that Manchester United’s Academy winger Bendito Mantato has signed a new four-year contract as a request from Rúben Amorim hints at a possible debut.
Manchester United’s Academy has become one of the brightest hubs for talent generation across Europe.
In the last few seasons, United have debuted some of the best young talents in England. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are key members of Rúben Amorim’s squad, while others, such as Anthony Elanga, are thriving elsewhere.
The U18 and U21 teams have a plethora of young talent waiting for their chances, with Chido Obi, Harry Amass, and Tyler Fredricson all being handed their debuts in the last three months.
Further talents such as Bendito Mantato, Jack Fletcher, and Jaydan Kamason have also been regularly spotted in first-team training sessions and on the bench of United’s recent Europa League squads.
Photo of Mantato’s new four-year contract leaked
On the eve of United’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club, it has been confirmed that Mantato has signed a new contract with the club, with AcademyScoop on X providing a leaked photo of his signing.
17-year-old Mantato is said to be highly regarded within the club, and Amorim views him as a potential first-team player in the future, with the youngster putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with the option for a further season.
A further report from the Manchester Evening News confirmed that Premier League sides Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Brighton showed interest in signing Mantato last year. But their interest has been dismissed with his new four-year deal now signed.
Mantato mainly operates on the right flank and has been touted as a possible option in the future both as a wing-back and right-sided No. 10 within Amorim’s first-team squad.
Under-21s boss Travis Binnion recently waxed lyrical about Mantato, explaining he feels the teenage star has the tools needed to succeed in the Premier League in the future.
Amorim request hints at possible debut
AcademyScoop has also reported previously that Amorim is keen to hand Mantato his senior debut before the end of the season. Following a request from the head coach, this may come on Thursday evening against Athletic Club.
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According to reports earlier this week, Amorim specifically asked that Mantato and Kamason not play with the U21s on Monday evening during the 4-1 win over West Ham.
Amorim is said to see both players as “key” for his preparations. Both youngsters were spotted in training on Wednesday afternoon and are expected to be in the squad that travels to Old Trafford on Thursday afternoon.
With Diogo Dalot out and United currently 3-0 up on aggregate against the La Liga side, should Amorim’s team be cruising to a victory in the second half of the tie, Mantato may finally be granted his first-team debut off the bench on Thursday evening.
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