Man Utd youngster Bendito Mantato made his debut in the Premier League a few months ago, but has now suffered an injury.
Bendito Mantato has picked up an injury. (Image: 2025 James Gill - Danehouse)
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Manchester United youngster Bendito Mantato is set to miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury. Mantato suffered the issue after being introduced from the bench for the Under-21s against Chelsea at the start of the month.
The Manchester Evening News understands Mantato is wearing a protective boot and his season is considered to be over, which is a huge blow for the 18-year-old, who will miss out in the FA Youth Cup.
Mantato started against Peterborough, Derby County and Oxford United in the competition's early rounds, but was forced to watch from the stands when the U18s beat Sunderland in the quarter-finals.
The U18s face Crystal Palace in the Youth Cup semi-finals. If the youngsters progress, they could play Manchester City in a mini-Manchester derby final at the Etihad.
Mantato is one of the brightest talents in United's academy. He formerly played at left-back in academy fixtures, but gradually progressed to play predominantly on the right wing, and his style has already led to comparisons with Bukayo Saka, who also started his career as a defender.
Last season, Ruben Amorim included Mantato in the senior matchday squad for home and away legs of the Europa League semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao. Mantato was subsequently included in the United States tour squad, and was handed his first-team debut against Wolves in December.
The academy graduate will target a return from injury in time to be involved in this summer's pre-season tour squad, which will feature more young players than usual with the World Cup ongoing.
Mantato has represented England's Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 teams in his career.