- Manchester United youth talent catches the eyes of fans
- Versatile player, can be deployed as a left-back or further forward
- When will we see him next in the first team?
There have been 258 academy graduates in Manchester United‘s long and storied history. The first, Tom Manley, arrived on 5 December 1931. The likelihood is that whoever reads this does not remember the Englishman’s nine-year spell at the club.
The most recent, Tyler Fletcher, came through on 7 February 2026. Brother to Jack Fletcher and son of Darren Fletcher, the twins are held in high regard by many around United.
In the 94 years and two months between Manley and Fletcher, 256 players have progressed through the academy to feature for Manchester United’s first team.
Since 30 October 1937, United have named at least one academy graduate in every matchday squad. Manley and fellow graduate Jackie Wassall began that unbroken run.
88 years and counting. 32,315 days. 775,560 hours. At the time of writing, that amounts to 2,792,069,348 seconds of Manchester United consistently including an academy graduate in every matchday squad.
Across that span of time, some of the greatest players to ever grace the game have emerged from the system. Johnny Carey, Bobby Charlton, George Best, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and many more besides.
Yet the player currently generating the most intrigue is the 18-year-old, versatile left-back Bendito Mantato.
Who is Bendito Mantato
The 257th academy graduate in Manchester United’s history, Mantato made his debut under Ruben Amorim in a 1-1 draw against Wolves.
Introduced as a substitute for Manuel Ugarte in the 75th minute, Mantato’s cameo proved brief, yet it still drew attention to the 5ft 11in youngster, with fans—many seeing him for the first time—captivated by his every touch.
Since then, Mantato has not featured for the first team, though he did earn a place on the bench for Amorim’s final match in charge against Leeds United.
Mantato continued to log significant minutes for United’s Under-18s until a season-ending injury halted his momentum against Chelsea. Introduced again from the bench in the 61st minute on 2 March, he suffered an ankle injury that now rules him out for the remainder of the season.
That setback not only sidelines him for key Premier League 2 fixtures—as United chase City for the title—but also rules him out of the FA Youth Cup, where United aim to secure a record 12th title against their inter-city rivals in the final.
Mantato’s Playing Style
Often compared to Bukayo Saka for his versatility—given both can operate at left-back or on the right wing—Mantato blends pace with technical refinement, and looks set to feature more prominently in the seasons ahead.
Beyond his technical quality, Mantato carries real strength on the ball, using his frame intelligently to shield possession and ride challenges.
A left-footed player, he thrives on the right flank, where he can cut inside and operate in more creative, playmaking zones.
He does not remain tethered to the touchline or rely on one foot. While capable of delivering crosses with his right, Mantato looks just as comfortable drifting infield, threading incisive passes or striking from distance with his stronger left.
Provided his injuries heal in time, there is no doubt that Mantato will be utilised by whoever is manager in pre-season.
