Manchester United has moved swiftly to lock down one of their brightest academy prospects, Bendito Mantato, with the 17-year-old set to sign a four-year professional contract next week. The deal, confirmed by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, signals United’s intent to build around homegrown talent under Ruben Amorim’s vision.
Mantato, who joined United’s academy at age nine, has evolved from a full-back into a dynamic right-sided attacker, drawing comparisons to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. This season, he’s lit up the U18s with seven goals and one assist in 13 appearances, including a match-winner against Arsenal in the Youth Cup quarter-finals.
Amorim, already an admirer, sees the teenager as a solution to United’s right-wing-back challenge after missing out on Geovany Quenda to Chelsea. Although Mantato is not expected to be drafted into the first team regularly, his prospects of making it into the first team under Ruben Amorim this season are very high as the Portuguese rates him high and is expected to give him a debut soon. “Amorim keen on giving him first-team debut soon,” Romano revealed, hinting at a senior bow before May.
Technical director Jason Wilcox played a pivotal role in securing Mantato’s future, fending off interest from Arsenal and Newcastle. The England youth international’s versatility, as he can play both flanks as a winger or wing-back, is the perfect ingredient of Amorim’s tactical system.
“The agreement is almost done for 2008 talent to stay and extend,” Romano added, emphasizing Mantato’s place in United’s “project for present and future.”
🚨 Bendito Mantato will sign a four year deal at Manchester United valid until June 2029.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2025
Jason Wilcox, key to get the agreement done as well as coach Rúben Amorim who really trusts the player. pic.twitter.com/OhcAPxQL08
Bendito Mantato’s numbers don’t lie. With 6 goals in 10 U18 Premier League games and 7 goals plus 1 assist in 13 appearances across all youth competitions, the 17-year-old has outgrown age-group football. His recent call up to first-team training was a testament that the kid is ready to play with the big boys. According to AcademyScoop, coaches rate his physical and technical attributes high, and coupled with a blend of pace, skill, and tactical IQ, Mantato has made his case for a new contract and a promotion to the first team.
Mantato’s decision to snub rival offers, including Arsenal’s pursuit of a scholarship deal, is a coup for United’s revamped youth strategy. Born in Manchester, the teen embodies the club’s tradition of promoting youth amid financial constraints.
Mantato’s rise isn’t just a feel-good story but a necessity. Amorim’s injury-ravaged squad needs fresh legs, and the “next Bukayo Saka” offers hope. As AcademyScoop noted, “Amorim is keen to hand him a first-team debut before the season’s end.” For United, securing Mantato is more than a contract, it’s a statement that the kids from the Academy will get a chance. In a season of chaos, the kids are coming to the rescue.