07 March 2024 , 13:41
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Bendito Mantato has been training with the Manchester United first-team as the club look to retain the 16-year-old's services.
Mantato is among the players most highly regarded in the club's youth system and, as a result, several other Premier League clubs are circling. United are hoping that the teenager will commit his future to the club when he signs his first professional deal next year.
The player is currently considering his options but United have looked to showcase how a pathway into the first-team environment does exist for the player if he chooses to stick around. Were Mantato to leave then the Red Devils would be able to receive a six-figure compensation figure, reports the MEN.
Erik ten Hag has handed debuts to a host of academy graduates during his time as United boss. Among those are Charlie McNeill, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson. Kobbie Mainoo is another to be introduced earlier this season and he's since become a regular in the first-team.
Mantato has drawn comparisons with Arsenal's Bukayo Saka. The United teenager can play as a full-back as well as a winger - Saka began his career playing in the defensive line before transitioning up the pitch, where he's become hugely influential.
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Despite the willingness to include young players in the first-team environment it has emerged that some youngsters are still having to change away from the main stars. Omari Forson and Habeeb Ogunneye haven't yet been given a place in the Red Devils' first-team dressing room, despite being called up for matches by Ten Hag.
Forson recently played for the first time in their loss against Fulham whilst Ogunneye was on the bench for the late FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest.
Man Utd are desperate to retain the teenage star (Manchester United via Getty Images)Despite being part of United's squad for those games both players still prepare for training sessions in their respective academy teams' dressing rooms. Forson continues to change with the under-21 squad, while fellow Londoner Ogunneye gets changed with the under-18s.
Ten Hag recently spoke glowingly about the pair: "The future for Manchester United is very good because we have high potentials. They are together and want to play football with adventure and enjoyment. If we keep this process going I am sure we will achieve high levels. We are building a team, we signed young players, and we give them opportunities."
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