Manchester United’s U21 side played on Tuesday night against National League side Solihull Moors, and it was a heavy defeat.
This season, Travis Binnion’s U21 side have been really good in the Premier League 2, but this hasn’t really translated into the competitions against senior opposition.
The National League Cup campaign is now effectively over, with Solihull Moors thrashing Manchester United U21 4-1, albeit the scoreline didn’t match the performance.
Manchester United played quite well at times in the defeat, but ultimately, it was just some sloppy defending that led to the defeat.
But during the game, one player will have caught Ruben Amorim’s attention.
Bendito Mantato in Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Bendito Mantato scores for Manchester United U21 in 4-1 loss
It was a strong yet makeshift U21 side for Manchester United against Solihull Moors, with Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon taking part.
Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson perfectly captures the ethos of believing in youngsters ð¥ð
Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down. These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.
Sir Alex Ferguson speaking at the opening of Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium in 2017
However, it was Bendito Mantato who caught the eye as he looked like a real threat down the right side and scored the solitary goal for United.
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Mantato is back from his U17 World Cup adventure, and he’s made an instant impression with the goal, showcasing pure desire and impressive physicality.
Jack Fletcher played a hopeful through ball, but Mantato was behind the Moors defender, but somehow out-muscled him, which left both on the floor before he then got up and coolly finished the chance.
To win a duel like this against a big national league defender showcases the improvements to the physical game of Mantato, and it should be a sign that he is ready for the first team.
Amorim needs a wing-back with Amad’s impending AFCON involvement, and Mantato might be the best option.
Ben Thornley and Liam Bradford really impressed by Bendito Mantato moment
Mantato’s goal was really impressive for the physical quality he showed, something he will have been working on to earn a first-team debut.
Well, watching on commentary, Ben Thornley and Liam Bradford reacted with praise to Mantato’s strength in earning his goal.
First, Bradford said, “Nothing short of miraculous from that situation.”
Following this, Thornley agreed, “I don’t know how he’s done that.”
Having impressed the commentators, Mantato will be hoping that Amorim also likes what he saw, with a couple of moments of quality also standing out.