16-year-old Bukayo Saka regen shines for Manchester United U18s in four-goal display

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Manchester United’s U18 side returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 5-2 win over Blackburn with one man starring.

This season the U18 side for Manchester United has been incredible, beaten only once in this league campaign.

This saw them build up a healthy lead at the top of the table but after last week’s loss to Manchester City, the lead looked less commanding.

Therefore a win against Blackburn became of paramount importance and despite a rocky start, the academy side bounced back from 2-0 down to win 5-2.

Of these five goals, four came courtesy of the 16-year-old wonderkid Bendito Mantato who was on fire and unstoppable.

Here’s the story of the game and Mantato’s brilliance…

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Bendito Mantato shines for Manchester United U18s

In a game which United needed to win, Mantato showcased his immense ability which has warranted the Bukayo Saka comparisons lately.

But before the Mantato show began, Blackburn went 2-0 up inside 39 minutes with a Harry Amass own-goal opening the scoring.

• READ MORE: Who is Harry Amass? Man Utd Age, Position, Nationality, Stats

But Mantato then scored in the 41st minute, 46th minute, 66th minute and finally in the 79th minute to cap off a truly special player-of-the-game performance.

He was joined on the score sheet by Victor Musa who added the third, giving United the initial lead in the 54th minute.

Of Mantato’s four goals, it was the first which was arguably the most special of them all as he toyed with the defender before finding the near bottom corner.

Yet another incredible talent in the ranks at Old Trafford and now the hope will be that he stays here long term.

Man Utd must do everything they can to keep Mantato

While Mantato looking so impressive is a good thing, United need to be aware that this form will also lead to further interest from other clubs.

It was reported recently by Academy Scoop that numerous Premier League clubs are circling the 16-year-old as he continues to show he’s a top prospect.

Although the thinking is he will remain at United Carrington, and he’d be right to as United clearly have the best academy side in the country right now.