Image Credits: Getty Images
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accelerated the development of 16-year-old winger Bendito Mantato calling him up to first team training ahead of the weekend clash with Everton.
The young lad, who has been likened to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, will be looking to impress the manager as the club struggles to deal with an injury crisis.
Erik has already shown he is not afraid to throw the youngsters into the deep end, handing full debuts to Omari Forson, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala and the simply sensational Kobbie Mainoo.
With the shortage of attackers present as we host Everton at the weekend because of the numerous injuries, Bendito will be hoping for a first team debut.
Bendito has been with the club since he was nine years old. He made his debut for the U18 two years ago aged just 14. He has and has made 7 appearances for them this season, chipping in with one goal and two assists.
He has represented England at the youth level and recently made his debut for the Three Lions U16 team.
The youngster has been closely followed, and his talents went viral when a clip of a goal he scored went viral in November last year.
His play-style has often been compared to Bukayo Saka, with nimble dribbling and a wand of a left foot cutting in from the right wing.
Just like Saka, he too began his footballing journey as a defender, and he ventured further forward as he grew older. To that end, he can also be deployed at left back.
Still only 16, he is already catching the eye of several top Premier League clubs. The Red Devils will be hoping the young lad will commit his future to the club and sign a professional contract next year when he turns 17.
Other youngsters to join first team training this season include: Harry Amass (16), Ethan Williams (18), Ethan Wheatley (18), Louie Jackson (18) and Habeeb Ogunneye (18).
