Manchester United wonderkid is pushing hard for a spot in Ruben Amorim’s first team following his latest impressive performance — he’s becoming impossible to overlook.

Manchester United’s academy had an impressive weekend, but the momentum didn’t fully carry over into Monday night, as the U21 team couldn’t replicate the U18 squad’s success—despite moments of individual brilliance.

 

Adam Lawrence likely felt a mix of pride and envy on Monday, watching many of his standout U18 players from earlier this season step up to the U21s. This shift led to a younger, less experienced side taking the field for Saturday’s U18 match.

 

Even so, United’s U18s delivered a jaw-dropping 13-1 victory over Leeds. Victor Musa led the charge with six goals, while 14-year-old JJ Gabriel made an explosive debut at this level, netting twice.

 

Come Monday, it was Travis Binnion’s U21 team’s turn to shine. Featuring a lineup filled with U18 players, the team played to an entertaining 3-3 draw with Nottingham Forest at Leigh Sports Village.

 

With no action over the weekend and ineligible for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Lyon, Chido Obi returned to the academy setup—and he made his presence felt. Obi scored two goals and was a key figure, but it was his 17-year-old teammate who arguably stole the show.

 

Bendito Mantato, starting alongside Obi, opened the scoring and assisted one of Obi’s goals. Despite just recently turning 17, Mantato consistently influences matches and has been one of United’s most electric young talents. In his only other U21 appearance this season, he also grabbed a goal and assist versus West Brom.

 

Now boasting nine goals and four assists across U18 and U21 matches this season—despite missing time due to injury—Mantato is firmly on the radar. His rise has been smooth, much like Obi’s, and he could very well earn his first-team opportunity before season’s end.

 

Ruben Amorim is already said to be a fan, with Mantato perfectly suited for the right wing-back role. The youngster recently signed his first professional contract, committing to the club after interest from elsewhere. Reports suggest Amorim is planning to give Mantato his debut soon, impressed by the teen’s physicality and impact.

 

With both Obi and Mantato dominating at youth level, their elevation to the senior squad feels increasingly inevitable.