Forget Garnacho, Man Utd U18 wonderkid could become an elite wing-back under Ruben Amorim

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Although Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United is less than one week away, questions persist about how he will set up the club.

Despite already being officially announced, Ruben Amorim has not instantly taken charge at Manchester United, seeing out a notice period which is already halfway done.

Amorim will manage Sporting until November 10th, before officially beginning work in Manchester on November 11th – having the international break to implement his ideas and philosophy.

This is all ahead of taking charge of his first United game against Kieran McKenna on November 24th away from home.

Expectations are that Amorim could be the right man to return United to the pinnacle of football, after enjoying so much success with Sporting.

Meanwhile, club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in interim charge and has been unbeaten so far – but everyone firmly has eyes directed to Amorim’s arrival and one position in his potential 3-4-3 formation has question marks all over it.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Why Alejandro Garnacho will not work as a wing-back for Manchester United

With Amorim’s arrival ticking ever closer, one position which looks like an early problem for the 39-year-old to solve is the left wing-back slot.

There is a real lack of natural options in the position and Amorim may very well look for a signing in January. However, there has actually been a growing discourse over Alejandro Garnacho and his suitability.

Jamie Carragher made the call on Sky Sports’ Monday night football, arguing that the 20-year-old could be deployed as a left wing-back.

“When you look at his set-up at Sporting at times, these [wing-backs players are asked to be really high, attacking and they’re going to have to be good in one-vs-one [situations]”.

However, most United fans will have laughed at this idea considering being a wing-back requires several qualities that Garnacho is not blessed with.

Garnacho is often criticised for his failure to track back and pull his weight defensively – something that would be even more exposed if he were deployed as a wing-back.

However, Amorim could actually have one option that is tailor-made and is currently dazzling in the academy – Bendito Mantato.

• READ MORE: Who is Alejandro Garnacho? Meet Man Utd’s dazzling Argentine

Bendito Mantato could be Ruben Amorim’s solution

For those who have watched Mantato this season, he is often the most impressive player in Adam Lawrence’s team as he looks like a constant threat down the right wing.

READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results

Mantato has scored five this season but it is more his dribbling, speed and strength on the ball that impresses us – with opposition defenders struggling to contain him.

What is interesting is that Mantato started as a left-back and has been playing there for England at youth level – which could mean he emerges as an option for Amorim in the wing-back position.

Mantato would tick all the boxes needed offensively as a wing-back in an Amorim side, as his left foot could be deadly at crossing – while also offering more off the ball than Garnacho.

For Sporting, Amorim has been trusting teenagers like United linked Geovany Quenda, so there is no reason Mantato couldn’t force himself into Amorim’s plans.