Manchester United sign 10 first-year scholars including Aston Villa defender and Bendito Mantato

Manchester United have confirmed the new intake of academy players for the Professional Development Phase ahead of the 2024/25 season.

10 players have been handed scholarships ahead of the new campaign and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the U18 side who became Premier League National champions last season.

As with last season, United's most experienced U18 stars will now be given the chance to impress at U21 level over the forthcoming campaign, while the brightest U16 talents will be given a chance at the next age group to continue their development.

Dante Plunkett is one of the names on the list after he signed from Aston Villa earlier in the year. The teenage left-back had previously been part of the Aston Villa youth set-up before he joined United on a trial basis. Plunkett featured on the bench for the U18s in February and then made his debut for the title-winning youth side in their final match of the season.

Bendito Mantato is another notable name on the list after United fought off serious interest in his signature to keep him at the club. As part of the deal, it is understood the 16-year-old has also already signed a pre-professional contract for when he turns 18.

United first-year scholars for 2024/25 season:

• Cameron Byrne-Hughes (goalkeeper)
• Fred Heath (goalkeeper)
• Albert Mills (defender)
• Daniel Armer (defender)
• Dante Plunkett (defender)
• Godwill Kukonki (defender)
• Amir Ibragimov (midfielder)
• James Bailey (midfielder)
• Jim Thwaites (midfielder)
• Bendito Mantato (forward)