Man Utd wonderkid banging on Ruben Amorim’s first team door after latest performance, he’s becoming undeniable

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s academy had a sensational weekend, but Monday night, the U21s failed to continue the U18s’ successes despite individual magic.

Adam Lawrence will have been envious on Monday night as much of his incredible U18 side from earlier this season stepped out for the U21s. Due to this, Saturday saw Manchester United field a youthful U18 side.

This resulted in United’s academy thrashing Leeds 13-1, with Victor Musa grabbing six of the goals. The sensational scoreline also saw 14-year-old standout JJ Gabriel score twice, making for an explosive start to U18 football.

Following this, it was the turn of Travis Binnion and his U21 side to perform, and it was a U18-heavy side which played at the Leigh Sports Village on Monday night, drawing 3-3 with Nottingham Forest.

With no minutes at the weekend and not being eligible for Europa League action on Thursday against Lyon, the game saw Chido Obi back in the academy, and he was a standout.

Obi scored two of the goals for United, while his 17-year-old teammate was arguably the star of the show for the Red Devils.

READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results

Bendito Mantato has massive Manchester United U21

Starring alongside Obi, showing in the process that he is ready for first-team opportunities, was Bendito Mantato.

United’s teenage superstar scored the opening goal and also assisted Obi’s second goal. Mantato is often the most impactful player on the pitch whenever he plays, and this was yet another example.

Mantato only recently turned 17, so to be dominating at a U21 level already proves the club are spot on to value him so highly.

In his only previous U21 appearance this campaign, Mantato also starred as he grabbed a goal and an assist against West Bro – just a few weeks ago. With this latest outing, Mantato’s record across U21 and U18 this season is nine goals and four assists, which is hugely exciting, considering he missed multiple months through injury.

Mantato’s rise through the ranks has been seamless, similar to Obi, and for that reason should be well prepared to get his chance in the first team before this season ends.

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

Ruben Amorim a big fan of Mantato already

If there is one academy starlet with a ready-made slot to fill in Ruben Amorim’s first team, it is Mantato, with the right wing-back role for which he is tailor-made.

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

Mantato has been proving himself ready for Amorim lately and just two weeks ago, he signed his first professional contract with the club, as United succeeded in tying him down amid plenty of interest particularly 12 months ago.

As he got his new contract, reports emerged that Amorim is planning Mantato’s debut this season with the 40-year-old impressed with what the winger has been doing and his qualities.

Mantato is entering undeniable territory for United, similar to Obi, and the common factor is that both are dominant physically in the academy, which eased Obi’s first-team integration and should also help Mantato.