Manchester United are set to promote teenage prodigy with Ruben Amorim keen to hand him a first-team debut before the season’s end.
Manchester United’s academy continues to be a fertile ground for emerging talent.
Manchester United’s commitment to nurturing young talent remains unwavering, with several academy prospects recently securing professional contracts.
Defender Jack Kingdon, who captained the Under-18s to a league title and earned a call-up to first-team training, has been rewarded with his first professional deal.
Similarly, forward Jacob Devaney, instrumental in the U18s’ successful campaign, has also signed professional terms, reflecting the club’s confidence in his potential.
Additionally, four academy players have been integrated into first-team training under manager Ruben Amorim, highlighting the club’s dedication to providing pathways for young talents.
Another academy talent has now put pen to paper as Bendito Mantato is set to sign his first professional contract for Manchester United next week, reveals Academy Scoop on X.
The 17-year-old is held in high regard by the club, with Ruben Amorim keen to hand him a first-team debut before the season’s end.
Bendito Mantato will sign a new contract until June 2029, with Jason Wilcox being key to getting the agreement done, as per Fabrizio Romano.
This commitment is a testament to the club’s confidence in his potential and their intent to secure his future amidst interest from other Premier League clubs.
Mantato’s journey has been marked by adaptability.
Initially deployed as a left-back, he transitioned to the right-wing, a move that has paid dividends.
His attacking prowess was on full display during a standout performance against Blackburn Rovers, where he netted four goals in a 5-2 victory for the Under-18s.
This remarkable feat emphasised his offensive capabilities and cemented his reputation as a rising star within the academy.
His style of play has drawn comparisons to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, highlighting his ability to influence the game from wide positions.
Such parallels speak volumes about his potential impact at higher levels of competition.
The arrival of manager Ruben Amorim at Manchester United could further accelerate Mantato’s progression.
Amorim’s tactical preference for utilizing young, dynamic wing-backs aligns well with Mantato’s skill set.
Observers have noted that Mantato’s attributes mirror those of Geovany Quenda, a 17-year-old winger who flourished under Amorim at Sporting CP.
This similarity suggests that Mantato could be integrated into the first-team setup sooner rather than later, especially given Amorim’s track record of promoting youth talent.
In the U18 Premier League, he has made 10 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 1 assist.
Additionally, he featured in the FA Youth Cup, making 1 appearance.
Mantato’s consistent performances have also earned him playing time with the Under-21 squad, where he has made 1 appearance in the National League Cup.
Furthermore, United’s coaching staff has expressed optimism about Mantato’s future.
His relentless work ethic, combined with his technical abilities, positions him as a candidate for first-team opportunities in the near future.
As the club continues to emphasise the development of homegrown talent, Mantato’s ascent serves as a beacon of the academy’s enduring success.
Bendito Mantato embodies the promise and potential that Manchester United’s academy strives to cultivate.
His recent agreement to scholarship terms, coupled with his on-field performances and the club’s managerial philosophy, suggest that he is on a trajectory toward making a meaningful impact at Old Trafford.
As he continues to develop, supporters and analysts alike will be keenly watching his journey unfold.
Exclusive: Bendito Mantato is set to sign his first professional contract for Manchester United next week.
The 17-year-old is held in high regard by the club, with Ruben Amorim keen to hand him a first-team debut before the season’s end. pic.twitter.com/zNPfYplNxA
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) March 28, 2025
Bendito Mantato will sign a four year deal at Manchester United valid until June 2029.
Jason Wilcox, key to get the agreement done as well as coach Rúben Amorim who really trusts the player. pic.twitter.com/OhcAPxQL08
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2025
More to follow.
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