Currently, there is a scarcity of positive developments at Manchester United; however, the academy continues to be a beacon of hope. The youth system appears to be thriving, even amidst the turmoil affecting the first team.
Building on the achievements of last season’s FA Cup final stars, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, this season has already seen Toby Collyer emerge as a contender for Ruben Amorim’s plans. Additionally, Chido Obi, who was acquired from Arsenal during the summer, is the latest young talent making a significant impression.
Although the 17-year-old striker is regrettably ineligible to participate in the Europa League this season, there is optimism that he will secure regular playing time in the Premier League in the upcoming months, having nearly scored at Old Trafford against Fulham in the previous match.
Furthermore, in addition to the arrival of Obi and 18-year-old January recruit Ayden Heaven, there is much to celebrate at Carrington, particularly due to the club’s progress in the FA Youth Cup. The U18 team triumphed over Arsenal in the quarter-finals on Friday evening.
This 3-2 victory at the Emirates has highlighted the abundance of talent ready to emerge, suggesting that it may be time to once again promote from within the ranks.
Man Utd’s FA Youth Cup heroes
In May 2022, more than 60,000 supporters gathered at Old Trafford to watch a promising young United team triumph over Nottingham Forest in the FA Youth Cup final, where a standout performance by a teenage Garnacho, who netted two goals, secured a 3-1 victory. A new star emerged that day.
Nearly three years later, the U18s advanced closer to another prestigious final after a narrow victory against Arsenal on their home ground, despite the absence of their key player, Obi.
The Danish youth international had made a significant impact by scoring seven goals in just three Youth Cup matches; however, with aspirations for the first team taking precedence, the prolific striker was omitted from the squad for the journey to north London.
| FA Youth Cup top scorers – 24/25 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Club | Goals |
| Chido Obi | Man Utd | 7 |
| Mason Cotcher | Aston Villa | 5 |
| Tom Wingate | Fulham | 5 |
| Amin Nabizada | Watford | 5 |
| Shumaira Mhueka | Chelsea | 4 |
| Finlay Gorman | Man City | 4 |
| Emmerson Sutton | QPR | 4 |
| Cruz Allen | Derby | 4 |
| Matty Warhurst | Man City | 4 |
| Stats via Transfermarkt | ||
The young Devils deserve commendation for their determination, as they secured victory despite challenges. Jack Fletcher, the son of Darren Fletcher, initiated the scoring with a beautifully curled shot. Subsequently, Jayden Kamason equalized for the visitors at 2-2, following goals from Louis Copley and the dynamic Max Dowman, which occurred on either side of halftime.
As the match progressed into extra time, it was United who advanced, thanks to 17-year-old Bendito Mantato. The substitute scored by tapping in after an impressive run by Samuel Lusale along the wing.
This match marked Mantato’s first appearance in the competition this season, and he emerged as a key player, potentially moving closer to securing a regular position in the first team.
Bendito Mantato’s first-team hopes
One area that requires significant reinforcement for Amorim, aside from the center-forward positions, is the wing-back role. The recent defeat on Sunday compelled the Portuguese manager to utilize Diogo Dalot as a left wing-back once more, due to the suspension of Patrick Dorgu.
Although Dalot provided the assist for Bruno Fernandes’ equalizer in the second half, it was yet another disappointing performance for the Portuguese defender, who lost possession 25 times and managed only a single dribble attempt.
While it is worth noting that Dalot is not playing in his preferred position, it remains uncertain whether he can fulfill the role of an attacking wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. His overall contribution to the club has been modest, with only seven goals and 13 assists in 198 appearances. For comparison, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has recorded two goals and 13 assists in 190 matches for United.
Given this context, it may be prudent to explore the academy for a long-term successor to Dalot, with Friday’s standout performer, Mantato, emerging as a strong candidate for this position.
The teenage “wonderkid,” as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has primarily played in a right-wing position at the youth level but is also capable of functioning as a full-back, making him an ideal option for the flanks in Amorim’s system.
A highly adaptable left-footed player, similar to the previously mentioned Dorgu, Mantato has netted seven goals in merely 12 appearances this season, according to Transfermarkt. Data analyst Ben Mattinson has identified him as an ideal internal option for Amorim at the wing-back position.
As highlighted by Mattinson, this Bukayo Saka-like talent is “an explosive ball carrier who drives at defenders in one-on-one situations,” thereby ensuring he can emulate the contributions Dorgu has made to United since his transfer from Lecce.
Mattinson has also drawn comparisons between Mantato and Geovany Quenda, a player Amorim is reportedly interested in acquiring from Sporting CP this summer. This certainly suggests a promising potential impact for Mantato within Amorim’s tactical framework.
Whether as a competitor for Dorgu or as a partner on the opposite side, this academy prospect may be precisely what the United head coach requires, especially given the ongoing struggles of players like Dalot.
While the Portuguese manager will likely seek to enter the transfer market for talents such as Quenda, the recent emergence of players like Mainoo, Garnacho, Collyer, and Obi indicates that turning to the youth academy once more could prove beneficial for this financially constrained club.