Man Utd risk losing the 'next Bukayo Saka' for peanuts

Tom Weber

• 3 Apr 2024 17:58 BST
• 4 min read

Premier League clubs are paying close attention to Manchester United's contract talks with Bendito Mantato, according to a report.

The 16-year-old has been starring for the Red Devils' youth teams, recently even playing and scoring for Man Utd's U21s in a friendly. A scintillating wide player, Mantato has made a name for himself with impressive performances this term.

At one point, he netted four goals against Blackburn's U18s and these kinds of showings have naturally attracted the attention of other clubs, particularly because the teenager has thus far refused to commit his long-term future to Man Utd.

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According to the Manchester Evening News, talks between the Red Devils and Mantato are ongoing, but several Premier League rivals are taking a keen interest in developments in the negotiations. If he were to leave, Man Utd would be due a six-figure compensation fee, but given the youngster's significant potential, he could soon be worth an awful lot more than that.

The next Saka?

Mantato's impressive performances at the youth level have earned him comparisons to Bukayo Saka. It is thought that Mantato's future lies on the right wing, though the 16-year-old can also play at left-back, hence the parallels to the Arsenal star, who began his Premier League career in defence.

Mantato has a boundless fount of creative ability and his dribbling skills are exceptional, which makes him a major threat to opposition backlines in combination with his pace. The winger is currently in good form and has netted six goals in three games.

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Man Utd are surely desperate to tie the teenager down long-term, but a lot may depend on their transfer plans. Man Utd are keen on Crystal Palace star Michael Olise and they still have Antony, Amad Diallo and Jadon Sancho on their books. Mantato may feel that he can find a clearer pathway to the first team elsewhere.