Bendito Mantato on United’s bench today – who is he?

While one academy graduate, Kobbie Mainoo, misses out on the trip to Aston Villa this afternoon, another bright young talent is making his first appearance on the bench.

17-year-old Bendito Mantato has been named in Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad with the hope of making his professional debut.

Born in Manchester, the teenager has spent his formative years at Manchester United, joining the club’s famed academy when he was just nine years old and steadily rising through the age groups with performances that have captured widespread attention.

From his earliest days in the United youth setup, Mantato showed signs of becoming more than just a promising academy player. He made his U-18 debut when he was just 14-years-old and soon became a regular, demonstrating a blend of technical ability, explosive pace, and tactical versatility. These attributes helped him stand out in a system that prizes adaptability, and he has often been deployed across the forward line as well as in wider and defensive roles.

In the summer of 2024 he was subject to interest from several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea, and United would have been due a six-figure sum in compensation had he left. But the youngster opted to sign a fresh scholarship with United, which included an agreement to sign a professional contract when he turned 17.

One of the defining moments in his career to date came in last season’s FA Youth Cup quarter-final, when he scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Arsenal, sealing a memorable 3-2 victory for our U-18s.

That season also saw Mantato flourish statistically across United’s youth teams. He scored nine for the U-18s as well as two for the U-21s, as well as five assists. He signed his first professional contract in May 2025, a four-year deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2029.

“It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract with Manchester United,” he said. “I’ve been working towards this moment since I joined the academy, and I’m grateful for the support from my coaches, teammates, and family.”

His rapid development has not gone unnoticed by the first-team coaching staff. Amorim, who has shown a willingness to fast-track academy prospects, added Mantato to United’s Europa League B list ahead of the semi-final against Athletic Club last season.

Coaches who have worked with Mantato sing the praises of not only his technical attributes but also his mentality. United U-21 coach Travis Binnion said of him after returning from injury, “He was in a really good place. He is in a really good place now. Obviously, he’s got a really good chance. The football club thinks a lot of him. Brilliant mentality.”

What sets Mantato apart is his rare combination of speed, skill and tactical intelligence. Technically gifted with strong dribbling ability, he is often likened to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, due to his left-footed flair, capacity to beat defenders one-on-one, and ability to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases of play. His versatility has seen him effectively deployed as a winger, as well as in full-back and wing-back positions, reflecting a tactical flexibility that modern coaches value highly.

Amorim has been criticised for his handling of academy players recently, with Shea Lacey and Kobbie Mainoo left on the bench when chasing a goal in what was the 0-0 draw against West Ham, as well as talking down the likes of Harry Amass and Chido Obi in the press before their responses via social media.

Can Mantato get a game today in the absence of our AFCON lads? Watch this space.

The post Bendito Mantato on United’s bench today – who is he? first appeared on Republik Of Mancunia: A Manchester United Blog.