Manchester United is set to reward 17-year-old forward Bendito Mantato with his first professional contract next week, around April 4, 2025. This news, reported by the reliable Academy Scoop on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), comes as Mantato has been making waves in the club's youth setup. The talented youngster has drawn comparisons to Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, thanks to his skillful playing style and versatility on the pitch.
Having joined Manchester United at the tender age of nine, Mantato has steadily progressed through the ranks, making his under-18s debut at just 14 years old. He has recently made a significant impact with the under-21s, showcasing his abilities as both a right-sided attacker and a potential wing-back. Head coach Ruben Amorim has taken notice of Mantato's performances, expressing a desire to hand him a first-team debut before the current season concludes.
In a recent match against West Bromwich Albion, Mantato scored a goal and provided an assist, helping the under-21s secure a convincing 5-2 victory in the Premier League 2. This performance further solidified his reputation as one of the most promising talents in the academy.
Academy Scoop reported, "Exclusive: Bendito Mantato is set to sign his first professional contract for Manchester United next week. The 17-year-old is held in high regard by the club, with Ruben Amorim keen to hand him a first-team debut before the season's end." This sentiment was echoed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who stated, "Bendito Mantato, set to sign new deal at Man United as part of the project for present and future. The agreement is almost done for 2008 talent to stay and extend, with Amorim keen on giving him first-team debut soon."
Mantato has made ten appearances in the U18 Premier League this season, scoring six goals and providing one assist across all competitions. His recent performances have been instrumental in Manchester United's quest for success in the FA Youth Cup, where they aim to extend their record as the club with the most trophies in the competition's history.
Manchester United has won the FA Youth Cup 11 times since its inception in 1952, with the last triumph coming in 2022 when Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho played key roles in the final. Now, Mantato and his teammates are gearing up for a crucial semi-final clash against Aston Villa's youth team at Villa Park, scheduled for April 4, 2025. A win in this match would set the stage for another final at Old Trafford, a venue that holds significant importance for the club.
Mantato, who has faced his fair share of challenges this season due to injuries, returned to action with a stunning performance against Arsenal, scoring the winning goal at the Emirates Stadium. Reflecting on that experience, he stated, "Playing at the Emirates is something like never really happens. It’s a new experience, and then to score was something else… It wasn’t something you dream of, but it was great.”
As the FA Youth Cup semi-final approaches, Mantato expressed his aspirations, saying, "I’d say the Youth Cup is definitely the most important competition at academy level. To win it this season would be an amazing feeling and there’s many great players who have done it before, like Pogba and Lingard, so to win it again would be a great achievement for us."
Looking ahead, the Manchester United first team is set to return to action against Nottingham Forest on April 1, 2025, following the final international break of the season. With the Red Devils currently sitting in 13th place in the league, they are keen to gather momentum as they aim to secure a better position in the table.
Under Amorim's leadership, the club is experiencing a youth revolution, with several academy players, including Mantato, being integrated into the first-team setup. The manager has already handed debuts to other youngsters, and Mantato is poised to be the next to step onto the pitch for the senior squad.
As United prepares for the final stretch of the season, Amorim is keen to give Mantato opportunities to shine, especially with the team facing an injury crisis that has forced the manager to rely heavily on the academy. The young star's potential as a right wing-back aligns perfectly with Amorim's tactical vision, and he could play a pivotal role in the team's future.
In conclusion, Bendito Mantato's journey from the youth ranks to potentially making his mark on the first team is a testament to Manchester United's commitment to nurturing young talent. With a professional contract on the horizon and a bright future ahead, Mantato is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead in his quest to become a key player for the Red Devils.
