Manchester United forward Bendito Mantato has drawn comparisons to Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka and is the talk of the academy at Carrington, according to the Daily Mail.
The 16-year-old debuted for the Red Devils under-21s on Monday, coming on in the 85th minute in the 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in Premier League 2.
Mantato bagged four goals when Man United under-18s ran out 5-2 winners against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, and the academy coaches are keen to see how he handles a step up.
The teenage sensation joined the Red Devils when he was nine, making his under-18s debut at 14.
Mantato has already played for the England youth teams and could soon be training with the Man United first team if he keeps developing at this rate.
The Old Trafford club do not hesitate to promote youth players once they deem them ready, and there is hype and anticipation about Mantato at the club.
The right winger can also play on the left and has often played at both full-back positions, featuring at left-back in the under-18s’ 4-1 loss to Manchester City last week.
Saka mastered versatility during his early days in the first team at Arsenal, and Mantato has the potential to force his way into the senior squad in the coming months.
He has plenty of pace to burn and a lethal left foot, while his ability to cut in on his stronger side off the right and unleash a shot is slowly becoming his signature attacking move.
Mantato is attracting plenty of interest from Premier League rivals but has reportedly verbally agreed terms on a scholarship deal and committed his future to Man United.
He could end up signing a professional contract with the Red Devils when he turns 17 next year if he believes he has a chance to break into their first team.
