Manchester United's exciting wonderkid could be promoted to first-team by Ruben Amorim

Manchester United youngster Bendito Mantato could eventually be promoted to the first-team by new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Mantato is considered a rising star in the academy and has continued to go from strength to strength, contributing six goals and one assist in nine appearances this season.

The 16-year-old has become a key player in a supremely talented Under-18 side and recently made a promising appearance from the bench for the Under-21s against Hertha Berlin.

Mantato formerly played at left-back in academy fixtures, but he's gradually progressed to predominantly play on the right wing and his style has led to comparisons with Bukayo Saka, who also started his career as a defender before developing into an attacking player.

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Amorim plays with wing-backs, who are comfortable in defensive and attacking scenarios, and it's thought Mantato's chances of breaking into the first-team have been increased by his arrival.

Mantato has bundles of pace, he plays with high intensity and his dribbling is a huge asset, which are all skills that could endear him to Amorim when the new head coach settles in.

The youngster, who scored against Everton at the weekend, is viewed as a versatile talent who could play as a wing-back on both sides and is a prospect worth keeping an eye on.

Amorim has inherited a struggling United side - he took over at Sporting Lisbon in similar circumstances in 2020 - and his immediate focus will be on moving the club toward the league's European places, but his belief in young players underpinned his success in Portugal.

The Manchester Evening News reported after Erik ten Hag was sacked that some academy staff felt he could have taken more of an interest in the academy and Amorim is expected to.

Ten Hag was praised for overseeing the development of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo during his time in charge and was regarded by some fans to have been great for the academy, but some staff members actually felt he could have done more during his two-and-half years.

One source said Ten Hag was 'never brave enough' and questioned why young players hadn't been given opportunities when it seemed obvious to involve them with the first-team.

Ten Hag gave seven academy players their senior debuts but more youngsters, including Mantato, will be hoping to get a chance to show their quality during Amorim's tenure.

Mantato joined United's academy aged nine and made his debut for England's Under-16s earlier this year.