One of the biggest pieces of the puzzle for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim is who will play at wing-back. The right-hand side seems much clearer, with Amad seemingly securing that spot for himself.
The Ivorian – who netted at the City Ground a week ago – has impressed at right wing-back in recent outings.
However, the other flank is proving to be a bit more of a conundrum for Amorim. Patrick Dorgu is only 21 years of age and has great promise, but is not being rushed. Luke Shaw has played that role before for England, but is thriving on the left of United’s back three.
The first choice left wing-back this season has been Diogo Dalot.
Dalot’s struggles at left wing-back
26-year-old Dalot has certainly struggled at times as a left wing-back. It might not be a surprise, given that he is a right-back by trade.
At times, he is operating as the highest player on the pitch, on the opposite flank to where he is most comfortable.
Amorim has placed a lot of trust in the former FC Porto academy player as a left wing-back. This season in the Premier League, he has picked his countryman nine times, with six of those appearances coming from the left flank.
Dalot has struggled, too. In those six games from the left-hand side of United’s midfield, their number two has registered just a solitary assist. He does pose an attacking threat from that area, though, and got an assist for Bruno Fernandes in the FA Cup last season.
Generally speaking, though, it has not been easy for the 26-year-old. Blame can be given to Amorim for playing a right back as the furthest player in United’s attack on the wrong side.
United content creator Dev Bajwa says the Portugal star has “got to be dropped.”
In United’s most recent game, a 2-2 away to Tottenham Hotspur, Dalot was actually dropped from the side. Amorim chose to bring Dorgu into the starting lineup, with the United number two having to settle for a 10-minute substitute cameo.
If Amorim does decide to rotate Dalot out of the side again in the future, there could be a homegrown star waiting in the wings.
United’s in-house Dalot replacement
There are definitely options for Amorim if he thinks the time is right for a more permanent change at left wing-back. Danish international Dorgu could keep his place, or Shaw could move further up the pitch, coinciding with the return of Lisandro Martinez.
However, if the Red Devils boss decides to lean into the DNA of the club, then he could call upon Bendito Mantato. The 17-year-old has impressed for United’s academy over the past few years, and could be the attacking option Amorim needs at wing-back.
The England under-17 international, who is currently on national team duty at the Under-17 World Cup, is a winger by trade. However, he plays as a left-back for the Three Lions, and has done so for United, too.
One thing that you can guarantee from Mantato is that he will add a creative spark at left wing-back. His record for the under-18s side at Carrington is exceptional, with 15 goals and three assists in just 25 appearances.
Games
7
11
Minutes
602
833
Goals
6
7
Assists
2
0
Mins per G/A
75
119
Speaking of that inventiveness in the final third, the Manchester-born attacker has great instinct in attacking areas.
This goal he scored in the FA Youth Cup away to Arsenal last season, where he darted in between two defenders to fire home, really sums up his quality.
Mantato has already been involved with the first team under Amorim. Not only has he trained with the seniors, but he’s been on the bench twice in last season’s Europa League.
That certainly shows how highly he is rated by the Red Devils manager.
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Academy Scoop, a page on X dedicated to United’s academy, was full of praise for the 17-year-old. He called Mantato “one of the biggest talents at the club,” highlighting his excellent ability.
It will be fascinating to see whether Amorim takes a risk and brings him into the first team fold at the expense of Dalot on the left flank.
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