The Manchester United fanbase was hit with news on Friday that Geovany Quenda was no longer an option.
This was a huge disappointment for many, with the Portuguese wonderkid viewed as the perfect fit into the right wing-back position under Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United were very keen, with Geovany Quenda even agreeing personal terms according to reports. However, Friday saw Fabrizio Romano, and others, report that United had missed out on Quenda who would now join Chelsea.
The reasons for this were clear, as United simply couldn’t match the £63m price that the Blues have agreed to pay for Quenda. It was also claimed that the 17-year-old chose Chelsea in order to gt the chance to play as a winger, not a wing-back.
This has left United searching for alternatives, with a number of interesting options potentially even better than Quenda. United hold an interest in Jeremie Frimpong, which would be an expensive deal to do.
Due to financial contraints, United chiefs will likely be looking for solutions closer to home, with one player so clearly the perfect alternative.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Bendito Mantato catches fire for Manchester United U21
Friday night saw Manchester United’s U21 side in action, picking up a comfortable 5-1 win over West Brom. The game saw Gabriele Biancheri and James Scanlon among the goals continuing their hot form.
Jack Fletcher got a brace for United in the game, staking his claim to earn a spot in Amorim’s team once again and perhaps finally make his debut. However, the most impressive performance in the game came from 17-year-old Bendito Mantato who dominated on the right.
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Mantato scored and also grabbed two assists, as he showcased why he is so highly rated by the club and was tipped to be perfect to feature under Amorim.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Speaking after the game, Binnion, spoke highly of Mantato and suggested that the club rate him highly, at the perfect time.
“He was in a really good place. He is in a really good place now. Obviously, he’s got a really good chance. The football club thinks a lot of him. Brilliant mentality.”
With Mantato having a real chance at succeeding at Old Trafford, he could be seen as the perfect alternative to Quenda.
READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Bendito Mantato is the perfect Geovany Quenda alternative
By promoting the teenager to the first-team, Mantato could save United millions in the transfer market, with qualities very well suited to shining in the right wing-back role.
Despite facing a heap of injury struggles this season, Mantato has always returned looking like the best player in the respective team, dominating defences with his elite dribbling, physicality and final product with finishing and creativity.
Mantato has eight goals and three assists this season across U18 and U21 levels which demonstrates his talent. During Chido Obi’s early days, the two were clear stand outs, being more developed than their peers.
Due to his qualities, Mantato could be the perfect player for Amorim on the right with some striking resemblances to Quenda.
Mantato has it all, and if he can stay fit we would imagine he will very quickly earn a chance under Amorim, who will now surely be looking for the next Quenda.