Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Man United wonderkid impresses in new role, set for debut under Ruben Amorim

Originally posted on HITC | By Vatsal Gupta | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 9:43 AM ET

Ruben Amorim may have finally picked up his first Premier League win, but questions are still being raised over his use of young players – and there is one youngster who could help shift that narrative.

Kobbie Mainoo’s limited role under the new manager has left a section of the fanbase frustrated, especially after Amorim arrived with a reputation for trusting academy talent.

But even if Mainoo is not getting regular minutes right now, there is no shortage of promising players coming through United’s ranks. The club’s academy presence in senior squads should remain strong regardless.

Those concerns would quickly fade if the one wonderkid currently being lined up for a debut makes it into the squad. There is talk around Carrington that he could get his chance soon after impressing in a new position during training.

Man Utd are prepping Bendito Mantato

Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

The Manchester United under-21s recently faced Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village, coming away with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Chido Obi and Amir Ibragimov.

Ibragimov continued his fine run of form, while Obi’s goal will be a welcome boost as he looks to work his way back into first-team consideration.

Among the standout performers, it was Bendito Mantato who had the most reasons to feel optimistic about his path towards the senior squad.

Mantato, usually deployed as a right-winger or occasionally as a right wing-back, featured on the left side of defence in this match. He has been seen by some as a future option at wing-back for Amorim but spent time playing as one of the No. 10s during pre-season.

Despite stiff competition for the No. 10 role in the senior squad and Amad solidifying the right wing-back position, Mantato can be confident about the City game.

He played in the one position where the senior team have just Patrick Dorgu as an option, instead of starting on the right wing.

With no left wing-back role in Man United’s academy structure, playing at left-back was an obvious alternative. The decision to use him there against strong opposition suggests United are serious about shaping him into an attacking full-back for future needs.

Bendito Mantato has the tools for a first-team role

Man United’s academy has a history of producing versatile players, and Bendito Mantato might be the next in line. Already seen as an option on the right side of midfield and at right wing-back, he is now showing promise at left-back too.

With pressure mounting on Amorim to give more opportunities to young players, Mantato’s ability to cover multiple roles could work in his favour.

If he maintains his current form and continues to blend attacking intent with solid defensive work, it will be hard for Amorim to overlook him.

The match against City was a promising step forward for Mantato, especially given it was a new position for him. How he builds on this outing will be important. If he keeps progressing at this rate, it would not be surprising to see him make his senior debut before long.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: