Alejandro Garnacho has been playing really bad lately. He hasn’t giving us what we wanted. Both Forson and Amad. They have not stoppes up to the level we wanted. So my staffs recommended a young who has been dealing with defenders mercilessly to come up and challange him”-Erik ten Hag calls up ‘next Saka’ to senior team training. “They says that he plays like saka and when I watched him play, I find it hard not to believe them”💯🔥
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has fast-tracked the development of 16-year-old winger Bendito Mantato, inviting him to first-team training ahead of the weekend clash with Everton. Drawing comparisons to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, Mantato possesses nimble dribbling skills and a potent left foot, often cutting in from the right wing.
Amidst the club’s injury crisis, Ten Hag has demonstrated a willingness to give young talents their chance, as evidenced by the full debuts handed to Omari Forson, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala, and the highly promising Kobbie Mainoo.
With Everton looming as opponents this weekend and a shortage of attacking options due to injuries, Mantato will be eager for a potential first-team debut. Having been part of the club since the age of nine, he made his U18 debut at just 14 and has since made seven appearances for the team this season, contributing with one goal and two assists.
Mantato’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as he has represented England at the youth level and recently earned his debut for the Three Lions U16 team. His abilities gained widespread attention when a video of a spectacular goal he scored went viral last November.
Often likened to Saka for his playing style, Mantato’s versatility allows him to operate as both a winger and a left-back, reminiscent of Saka’s own positional journey. At just 16 years old, he has already attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs, but United will be hoping to secure his long-term commitment by offering him a professional contract next year when he turns 17.
Among the other youngsters joining first-team training this season are Harry Amass (16), Ethan Williams (18), Ethan Wheatley (18), Louie Jackson (18), and Habeeb Ogunneye (18).
