Manchester United wonderkid Bendito Mantato has been in action for England at an U17 level this month, playing a key role in their World Cup journey so far.
England U17 are through to the last 16 in this month’s World Cup in Qatar after beating South Korea in the round of 32.
Manchester United will have a vested interest in this, with Bendito Mantato a starter for the English side as they improve throughout the tournament following an opening day defeat to Venezuela.
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Mantato has been impressive for England in every game he has played in, which includes two assists in an 8-1 thrashing.
The 17-year-old has been playing as a left-back for England, offering tremendous attacking quality down that side, but he’s also showcasing more to his game.
Bendito Mantato impressive for England U17 during World Cup
While Mantato has been used as a full-back for United and also England this season, he is more naturally a winger, and therefore it has required him to learn a new position.
This has seen Mantato take a step back from his imminent first-team debut; however, he is beginning to see his quality shine through.
Mantato has impressed at left-back for England beyond just being an offensive player, but he’s now also performing well defensively.
Against South Korea, Mantato was part of an excellent team performance, as his SofaScore rating of 7.3 and stats showcase.
- 90 minutes
- 1 key pass
- 88 per cent passing accuracy
- 2/3 crosses completed
- 72 touches
- 2/2 tackles won
- 4 clearances
- 6 recoveries
- 3/4 duels won
This kind of performance will be music to Ruben Amorim’s ears, proving that he is developing in the role, adding qualities that would suit him playing as a wing-back.
Bendito Mantato could soon be competition for Patrick Dorgu
Left wing-back has been a massively debated position for United, but it is clear that Patrick Dorgu should be starting over Diogo Dalot, and United needs competition for the Dane.
Mantato could be that competition, with his evolution in the defensive aspect of the game, exactly what Amorim will have wanted to see.
Dorgu and Mantato have similar traits in terms of being more offensive-minded, but clearly capable of doing the defensive hard work to play wing-back.
Now, Mantato just needs the physical development, which would see him ready to deal with facing off with senior players.
But the signs are that Mantato could soon be an option for Amorim.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/xieQhBM