Relentless 16yo Man Utd wonderkid could be the answer to Amorim's £84m wing-back problem - opinion
Manchester United will embark on a new era with Ruben Amorim taking over the reins next week.
Amorim prefers to play with a back-three in defence and relies heavily on wing-backs.
Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho have been linked with roles in these positions, but their defensive fragility could raise doubts about their ability to meet the tactical demands of the system.
Amorim has built a reputation for seamlessly integrating young talent from the academy into his first-team set-up. He could bring that same philosophy to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have a talented pool of players at youth level, with their Under 18s in sensational form this season.
They have won all nine league games, netting a remarkable 43 goals while conceding just four.
Chido Obi-Martin was once again on the scoresheet in the 3-0 victory over Everton today.
While the former Arsenal striker will undoubtedly steal the headlines, Bendito Mantato truly deserves the spotlight.
The right-winger has been in sublime touch this season, cementing his place as the unsung hero in Adam Lawrence’s set-up.
The 16-year-old capped off his standout performance with a commanding left-footed strike in stoppage time.
He demonstrated remarkable strength in 1v1 duels, consistently shrugging off challenges. His surging runs and ability to create chances for his teammates were highly impressive.
Mantato has featured as a left-back five times for United Under 18s in his career. His relentless work rate and tenacity draw comparisons to Sporting’s star Geovany Quenda.
United are reportedly ‘tracking’ the 17-year-old, but a potential move may be hampered by his hefty £84 million release clause.
Quenda produced a magnificent display in Sporting’s recent 4-1 victory over Manchester City.
Given the similarities in their profiles, Amorim should be watching Mantato’s development closely.
Stats from transfermarkt.com.