Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has plenty of players to keep an eye on during this international break, with one talent earning rave reviews.
The international break came at a bad time for Manchester United, ahead of taking on Liverpool. Momentum would have been with the Red Devils had the game been played this coming weekend.
Liverpool have lost three games on the bounce, while United just found the formula for a first comfortable win of the season.
However, Ruben Amorim will be pleased to see his players building confidence. One shining example of this came when Patrick Dorgu starred for Denmark on Thursday, scoring his first goal for his country.
However, it isn’t only the first team that has had players impressing during the break, with academy players also shining.
Shea Lacey earned an England first-team training spot as Thomas Tuchel looked to get a closer look at the whizkid. Now, it is another United U21 talent who has impressed.
Bendito Mantato on the ball for England U17.
Photo by Neil Baynes – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Bendito Mantato shines for England U18
Thursday night saw Manchester United youngster Bendito Mantato in action for England at an U18 level.
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The versatile winger was playing at left-back, where he has found a home for United this season, and in the 1-0 win over France, he caught the eye.
This is according to Nathan Salt, who has tweeted to reveal Mantato played 75 minutes and won himself ‘plenty of rave reviews’ from those who were in attendance at the game.
Bendito Mantato got 75 minutes for England’s U18s tonight at left back and won plenty of rave reviews from those in attendance.
1-0 England for those after the score #mufc
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) October 9, 2025
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Mantato’s quality is often obvious when he is in action, and his performances at left-back this season so far have been very impressive.
After this glowing performance, Amorim should be taking notice.
Mantato is one of United’s best talents and featured in pre-season under Amorim.
Often, comparisons between Bukayo Saka and Mantato are made, with the Arsenal star also a left-back/right winger, and a massive threat in attack with a brilliant left foot.
Since Amorim arrived at the club, many have thought that Mantato would make a perfect wing-back for United. Potentially being Amorim’s new version of Geovany Quenda.
Now, this season, the move to left-back in Travis Binnion’s side is quite clearly for a purpose: to develop Mantato’s defensive qualities and understanding of the position so he can be an option for United.
However, even right now, Mantato is probably more ready than Diego Leon to be in the first team.