Manchester United starlet Bendito Mantato could be fast-tracked for first-team appearances under Ruben Amorim this season, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed - with the teenage prodigy having massively impressed the Portuguese tactician with his mentality and ability whilst playing in the club's youth ranks last season.
United have made a real effort to promote youth in their long-term planning since INEOS took over, handing homegrown players vital first-team Premier League minutes as well as signing foreign starlets from abroad, such as Diego Leon and Sekou Kone. However, Mantato, a born-and-bred Mancunian, could be next on that list after impressing coaches in training.
Sources: Bendito Mantato 'Will be Fast-Tracked' to Man Utd First-Team
Bendito Mantato Manchester United
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that mentality is a huge factor for Amorim when he's analysing players, be it young or old at Carrington - and as a result, insiders at the training ground are tipping Mantato to be fast-tracked onto bigger and better things than their youth ranks, be it in the League Cup or the FA Cup at points this season.
Amorim is thought to be a big fan of the 17-year-old, and believes he has all the attributes to be a left-wing-back, despite having started in his youthful days as a quick out-and-out winger.
He's already been around the first-team in training, and was included in the Europa League semi-final squad against Athletic Bilbao at the end of last season as the Red Devils progressed to the final.
The wide man scored nine goals for the under-18's last season, before two goals and five assists when he moved up to the under-21 squad at such a young age - and despite 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel being tipped as the main star to watch, having been christened as the 'kid Messi', fans should expect to see Mantato upgraded to the senior team for United's cup games at the very minimum this season.
Mantato, born in 2008, joined United aged nine and has progressed through the ranks, shooting to regional fame when he scored a last-minute winner against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup back in February. He's been likened to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in terms of playing style, and with England youth caps galore, he could certainly be one to watch for the future as United look to bolster their youth ranks.
Former boss Erik ten Hag and current gaffer Amorim used multiple teenage players last season, with Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Chido Obi-Martin, Harry Amass and Ayden Heaven all registering minutes aged 19 or under in the Premier League at some point last season.
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