Manchester United youngster Bendito Mantato has signed a fresh scholarship with the club, which includes an agreement to sign a professional contract when he turns 17.
The Manchester Evening News exclusively revealed in March that Mantato was attracting interest from a handful of top Premier League clubs who wanted to poach him.
United would have received a six-figure sum in compensation if Mantato had switched clubs, as they have been responsible for his development to this stage, but the youngster has committed his future to United by signing a scholarship deal that includes a pre-pro contract.
Only the most highly regarded talents in the academy are given pre-pro contracts that activate when the player celebrates their 17th birthday and Mantato is included in that bracket.
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Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Brighton showed an interest in signing Mantato but he will continue in Manchester and is relishing the prospect of making progress at United.
United were always hopeful Mantato would commit his future and eventually sign professional terms, and both parties are delighted he has signed as a first-year scholar.
The youngster, who has bundles of pace, was in excellent form last season and it’s thought his long-term future will be on the right wing due to the attacking quality he can provide.
Mantato can play at left-back and on the wing, and his style has led to comparisons with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who started his career as a defender before moving forward. He joined United’s academy aged nine and has represented England in the youth system – Mantato made his debut for the Three Lions’ Under-16s team in February.
Mantato’s dribbling ability is a huge asset and he’s already been backed to have a bright future at Old Trafford.