Manchester United face transfer battle for 16-year-old wonderkid compared to Bukayo Saka

Manchester United youngster Bendito Mantato is attracting transfer interest from a handful of top Premier League clubs.

Mantato, 16, is one of the highest-rated talents in the academy and the Manchester Evening News understands some of United's rivals in the Premier League are interested in signing him. The club are hopeful Mantato will commit to a future at Old Trafford and sign professional terms when he turns 17 next year, but he is currently considering his options.

Sources have indicated that United would receive a six-figure sum in compensation if Mantato was to switch clubs, as they have been responsible for his development to this stage. Mantato can play at left-back and on the right wing, and his style has led to comparisons with Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who started his career as a defender before moving forward.

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The youngster joined United's academy aged nine and has represented England in the youth system. He recently made his debut for the Three Lions' Under-16s team.

Mantato has made seven appearances for United's Under-18s this season and he's contributed a goal and two assists, while he also made an appearance in the UEFA Youth League. The U18s are undefeated in the league after playing 17 games. Manchester City are 13 points behind in second position and United are on course to win the title.

Mantato made his debut for the U18s in 2022 when he was just 14 years old.