Manchester United teenager Bendito Mantato is reportedly in line for a new four-year contract at Old Trafford.
The 17-year-old has scored seven goals and registered one assist in 13 appearances at academy level this season, including six goals in 10 appearances in the Under-18s Premier League, where he has made a strong impression with his performances.
Mantato has also featured for Man United Under-21s this season, playing the full 90 minutes of the team's clash with West Bromwich Albion Under-21s in the middle of this month.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mantato is set to pen a four-year deal with the 20-time English champions, with the agreement due to run until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.
Romano claims that Man United's technical director Jason Wilcox has been vital to sealing the agreement, while head coach Ruben Amorim is said to be a huge admirer of the versatile youngster.
© Imago
Mantato 'to sign new four-year deal at Man United'
Mantato has drawn comparisons to Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka due to his playing style.
Like Saka, Mantato initially came through as an attacking left-back, but he is now featuring down the right, and it is believed that Amorim views him as a potential option as a right-sided wing-back.
Amorim's 3-4-3 system has drawn criticism since it was implemented upon his arrival, with the wing-back positions proving to be particularly problematic.
Diogo Dalot is currently first choice in that area, but the Portugal international has struggled to make an impression from an attacking point of view, while Noussair Mazraoui's best work has come as a centre-back this term.
© Imago
When could Mantato make his Man United debut?
It is difficult to imagine Mantato being involved with the first team at Man United this season unless there is a severe injury crisis in the wing-back areas, but a route into the senior side could open up next term.
Indeed, the Red Devils have missed out on Geovany Quenda to Chelsea, with the club not making a firm move for the Sporting Lisbon teenager despite the fact that he is believed to have been identified as Amorim's first choice for the right-sided wing-back role.
Strong performances during pre-season could lead to Mantato being a real option at the start of next term, and there are strong indications that he will be the next academy star to make the breakthrough into the first team.
Matt Law
