Amid reports of a new contract, Manchester United fans should learn about the possible involvement of Bendito Mantato in Rúben Amorim’s first team.
For all the things Manchester United have won in football, Carrington is arguably the club’s greatest achievement of all.
Not many academies carry the same weight as United, which has a long and proud history of developing the best talent and then giving them real opportunities to play for the first team. United have had an academy player in every matchday squad since 1937, and many of the club’s greatest-ever players began their United careers long before they were men.
Right now, United’s academy is arguably the strongest it has been since the famed Class of ’92, a group of players that formed the core of English football’s greatest dynasty. Talent is shining, and players have clear pathways to the first team.
The next player who may have the opportunity to leap is Bendito Mantato, with reports emerging that the 17-year-old is set to sign his first professional contract with United. Fabrizio Romano stated that Ruben Amorim really trusts Mantato, whilst there have been reports that he will even look to give the teenager his first-team debut before the season ends.
So, who is Bendito Mantato, and how can he potentially impact United’s first team in the future? UtdDistrict explains below.
Player profile
Mantato is a left-footed right winger and a tricky player. Blessed with technical excellence and physical power, he is a nightmare to defend against. Able to play on both sides and go both ways when dribbling, Mantato’s skill set is versatile.
Standing just under six feet, Mantato is quick and strong. Many feel that his physical qualities allow him to handle the step up to men’s football; he is ahead of his academy teammates in this regard.
An England under-17 international, Mantato has previously drawn comparisons to Bukayo Saka in terms of his style of play, qualities, and positional versatility—having played on both wings and at fullback.
He is highly regarded at United, where the club have fought off multiple offers to keep him. Some of the clubs that have tried to take Mantato include Arsenal, Newcastle, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund, which is a real indicator of his talent. Jason Wilcox played a key role in United’s plans to keep him.
The above compilation from Mantato’s FA Youth Cup performance against Arsenal, where he scored the winner, showcases his qualities, such as his movement, power, quick feet, ability to play inside and outside the pitch, ball control, and defensive qualities.
Where does he fit in for Amorim?
Whilst he isn’t going to become a starter anytime soon, and should be protected and allowed to develop, Mantato brings Ruben Amorim a lot of potential options. He is capable of playing on both sides as both a wing back and in the wide number 10 roles, and being given opportunities in both positions would be good for his all-round development as a footballer.
With Amad due back possibly before the season ends and having signed a new long-term deal, he could be seen as an understudy to the Ivorian winger, who has emerged as a superstar at Old Trafford this season.
This affords Amad the status he deserves in United’s squad whilst also taking pressure off Mantato and giving him breathing room to develop, as well as a good example to learn from and try to emulate in the first-team picture.
It could be possible that next season we see some games where Amad plays in the right number 10 role and Mantato operates as a wing back, or vice versa. They can rotate in game as well with both players having good enough understanding to do so.
Given his qualities and the potential options he brings, it is clear to see why Ruben Amorim regards Mantato so highly and sees a clear future for him in Manchester United’s first team.
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