Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup campaign came to an unfortunate end against Aston Villa.
Before Manchester United’s first team faced Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim highlighted the importance of the FA Youth Cup, describing it as a tournament “we want to win”.
However, United’s Under-18s suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Aston Villa in the semi-finals.
Amorim allowed Chido Obi to play in the FA Youth Cup, but United’s 18-year-old striker was unable to make the difference. James Scanlon scored and impressed – he will be knocking on the door for a first-team debut soon.
Bendito Mantato also stood out after coming off the bench in the second half. Watched on by Sir Alex Ferguson, the 17-year-old put in an impressive display.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United fans react to Bendito Mantato display
After impressing in the academy, Amorim is planning Mantato’s debut in the first team with his first professional contract expected to be signed this week.
Against Villa, United fans got to see exactly why when Bendito Mantato came off the bench.
On social media, United fans were wowed by Mantato’s performance. One supporter on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “Beautiful! He brings so much intensity.”
More United News
A second said: “Need to see him in first team by the end of the season.”
Supporters also suggested that Mantato’s emergence explains why United missed out on Geovany Quenda.
“I now see why Amorim didn’t go for Quenda,” one fan posted, while another wrote: “Quenda who”.
The comparisons to Geovany Quenda continued, with another fan posting: “I already forgot who Quenda is…”
How Man United could line up with Bendito Mantato
Mantato could save Ineos millions if he proves to be a suitable option at right wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
United were prepared to splash millions on Quenda this summer to solve their lack of options at right wing-back, but in Mantato the Red Devils have an extremely exciting prospect.
Amorim wants physical players and Mantato certainly seems to fit the bill – he showed bundles of pace and explosiveness in his short cameo against Villa.
If Mantato does become a first-team regular, here is how Amorim’s United XI could look with the 17-year-old in the side.
Mantato has impressed as a full-back and as a winger, so he would suit the wing-back role, but could also be pushed into the No.10 if necessary.
Additionally, Mantato was moved to left-back against Villa in the FA Cup, so like Patrick Dorgu, he has the versatility to play on either side.