Ruben Amorim has the potential to save Manchester United significant funds by promoting a talented 16-year-old player. This young prospect is ideally suited to take on a crucial role within the team, offering both skill and promise for the club’s future development and success.
Ruben Amorim faces a daunting challenge as he works to address the glaring issues plaguing Manchester United in 2025, with the threat of a disastrous season looming large. The team’s recent performances have exposed deep flaws, leaving Amorim grappling with problems that could define his tenure. The situation is dire enough that relegation has been openly mentioned by Amorim himself, who views it as a potential wake-up call after years of consistent underperformance.
One critical area of concern is the wing-back positions. The current pairing of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui has proven ineffective, particularly in attack, with the team failing to score in three consecutive games. Given the importance of wing-backs in Amorim’s tactical system, it’s unsurprising that the club has been linked to numerous talented players for these roles. However, Ineos, the club’s majority stakeholders, may not need to spend heavily in this area, as promising academy talent could provide a solution.
Among the standout prospects is Bendito Mantato, a versatile English youngster capable of playing as both a right winger and a left-back. His performances at the U18 level under Adam Lawrence have showcased his immense potential, often making him the most dangerous player on the pitch. Mantato’s physicality, creativity, and exceptional dribbling skills align perfectly with what Amorim seeks in a wing-back, drawing comparisons to Geovany Quenda, a teenage star Amorim developed at Sporting Lisbon. With mounting pressure and poor results, Mantato’s debut for the first team seems increasingly likely, offering the club a cost-effective solution while bolstering its future.
Amorim’s reliance on academy talents is not a new strategy. During his time at Sporting, he repeatedly turned to youth players to fill gaps and rejuvenate the squad. This approach aligns with Ineos’ vision for the club under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, emphasizing player development over expensive signings. With four consecutive losses and underperforming senior players, Amorim may soon look to the academy for reinforcements.
The academy boasts other potential stars, such as Chido Obi, a promising goalscorer who could be on Amorim’s radar. However, challenges remain as players like Joshua Zirkzee, who joined from Bologna during the summer, continue to struggle at Old Trafford. Zirkzee’s lack of goals has been a source of concern, and his substitution against Newcastle United on Monday was met with cheers from frustrated fans. This echoes a pattern of talented players, including Antony, Rasmus Højlund, and Jadon Sancho, finding it difficult to thrive at United despite their high potential.
Amorim’s task is monumental, but the answers to United’s problems may already exist within the club. By embracing the talent in the academy, he has the opportunity to reshape the team’s fortunes and build a foundation for sustained success.
