Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was not afraid of throwing academy wonderkids into the deep end, handing three of them their debuts last season.
Harry Amass, Chido Obi, and Tyler Fredricson all made their first-team bows under the Portuguese, while Ayden Heaven, signed from Arsenal, and Toby Collyer also saw plenty of minutes.
In fact, the Red Devils were second among teams to hand minutes to teenagers last term. And the ex-Sporting CP boss might have found his next debutant as per Givemesport.
Bendito Mantato has greatly impressed Amorim, who feels he has all the attributes to play as a wingback in his system.
Mantato set to be fast-tracked
Currently, Amad has been fashioned from a winger into a wingback, while Patrick Dorgu is the option on the opposite flank.
The 20-time English league champions were linked with a move for Geovany Quenda of Sporting CP, but a reunion with his former boss was halted as Chelsea won the race.
Since then, Amorim has tried to groom young players already at the club to play in that position, and Mantato’s mentality has stood out.
The 17-year-old has already been in and around the first team, and even made an appearance on the post-season tour of Asia. He has been tipped to earn his debut during the Cup games this term.
The Carabao Cup second round tie against Grimsby Town might just see him earn his first minutes in the senior team.
“Mentality is the big plus factor for Ruben Amorim when he’s analysing players. And that’s why insiders at United’s Carrington training HQ are tipping Bendito Mantato to be fast-tracked to bigger and better things at Old Trafford.
“Amorim is already a big fan of the 17-year-old star, who has all the attributes to be a left-wing back having started out as an out-and-out winger.
Debut in the Cup?
“Mantato has already been around first team training and was included in the Europa League semi-final squad against Atletico Bilbao at the end of last season.
“And while 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel – dubbed ‘kid Messi’ – is being tipped as THE one to watch, expect Mantato to be upgraded to the senior team, for Cup games at least, this season.”
Last season, Bendito Mantato made the bench twice, during the Europa League semi-finals against Athletic Club.
He chipped in with two goals and three assists for the U21s, while netting seven times for the U18s. He also scored the winner against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
