On Sunday, Ruben Amorim handed Harry Amass his first start in senior football, and the 18-year-old did very little wrong for Manchester United in the 55 minutes he played.
It was a nice surprise to see the teenage full-back make his first start for the club against Newcastle, and when he departed the pitch, the scoreline was just 2-1 with Manchester United in the game.
Harry Amass showcased some nice moments on the ball for United and also contributed defensively in keeping an at-times rampant Newcastle side out on a few occasions.
Amass is one of two academy debutants made under Ruben Amorim and will surely not be the last.
This kind of performance for United will give Ruben Amorim faith in the academy, as it proved he can step up and not look out of place – which bodes well for others looking to step up.
With this in mind, the U21 performances lately have shown Amorim that one player is absolutely ready to step up and make an impact. On Monday night, one player proved his capability once again.
READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Manchester United U21s finish the PL2 season fifth as playoffs loom
On Monday night, the U21s took on Wolves away from home, with the strong line-up fielded only able to secure a 1-1 draw with a side placed nine positions lower in the league table.
This was the final game of the season, and United have finished fifth, so they head to the playoffs to take on either Liverpool or Everton.
The goal on the night came through Tyler Fletcher as he converted a Bendito Mantato assist in the 52nd minute, although the draw was disappointing as United were the better side.
The game once again saw U16 talent Noah Ajayi handed the opportunity to step up into the higher age groups, which is a sign of how the club view him.
With his assist, Mantato has continued his incredible form since being moved into the U21 side more regularly – knocking on Amorim’s first team door.
Bendito Mantato could be Ruben Amorim’s very own Antoine Semenyo
Last month, United handed Mantato his first professional contract after he turned 17, and this came with rumours that he was due to be handed a senior debut before this season comes to an end.
This season, Mantato spent a period out injured yet has still managed to tally up two goals and five assists in U21 football and then an additional seven goals for the U18 side.
Of these contributions, during his past four games at a U21 level, Mantato has got four assists and two goals, with only three of these games being starts. This will only continue to impress Amorim, who surely has an eye on the development of the right winger, with the intention of turning him into a sensational wing-back.
This move could save United millions this summer, with United keen on signing £65m Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, a player Amorim is very fond of.
Mantato could be ready to make an impact in the 2025/26 season as he is making U21 football look easy. Therefore, spending so much on a player who would fill the same position makes little sense when so many other positions need to be reinforced.
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