Manchester United’s eye-catching 16-year-old prodigy was first spotted during a first team training session

Another gifted adolescent has been summoned up to first team training, as is currently happening once a week for Manchester United.

academyarena Utd on X: "16-year-old Bendito Mantato in first team training  https://t.co/kb2oIWO1Lu" / X

When it comes to youth players, Manchester United are now in the midst of a golden age, with too many to name being regarded as elite players.

It’s obvious that this group has talent because players like Harry Amass, Ethan Williams, and Ethan Wheatley are all impressive and frequently appear in first-team training.

The most thrilling of them all is Shea Lacey, 16, who is scheduled to make his injury comeback this weekend.

Eye-catching 16-year-old Manchester United whizkid now spotted in  first-team training for the first time

However, Bendito Mantato, another adolescent who has only started to play frequently at the U18 level, may be just as intriguing. Erik ten Hag has summoned him to the first team to examine him more closely.

Bendito Mantato was summoned to Manchester United’s first squad practice.

Mantato, who only turned 16 in January, is the player who is getting his shot in the first-team training session this week, following Gabriele Biancheri last week.

Eye-catching 16-year-old Manchester United whizkid now spotted in  first-team training for the first time

Ten Hag might be considering some long-term options for the right winger position, as Mantato is now in that role.

The English sensation was seen in training, dribbling the ball while being supported by Willy Kambwala and Kobbie Mainoo, two academy grads who are now main squad players.

Given that Mantato still has a ways to go before being considered for a senior debut, it is unlikely that this is an audition for the senior team. Instead, this is presumably a learning opportunity and a reward for his outstanding performances this season.

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What role has Bendito Mantato had for the U18 team this season?

Mantato, who turned 16 this year, hasn’t even played for the U18 team for an entire season—he’s only made three appearances in the U18 Premier League this year—despite being a regular member of the squad since he was 14.

But considering that he has only recently advanced from the U16 level, he has managed a goal and two assists in these three games, which is amazing.

Expectations are high for Mantato because, according to a recent story by The Guardian, he and Amir Ibragimov are two talented players who club insiders believe have the ability to surpass the current crop of outstanding U18s.

Mantato has an incredibly exciting future at United, and we can’t wait to watch his progress.