10 players who have had their breakthrough season in 2015/16

#5 Renato Sanches – Benfica

Manchester United are the favourites to sign this Benfica youngster

Highly rated youngster Renato Sanches has been continuously linked with a move to Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder is just 18 years old and he has already been capturing everyone's attentions with his eye-catching performances.

Many reports claimed that Manchester United already had a deal to get this Portuguese starlet to Old Trafford, however, Benfica denied all these claims saying that they wanted to keep Sanches for the foreseeable future.

After the international break in November 2015, Sanches signed a new contract with Benfica until 2021, with a release clause set at €45 million.

Renato Sanches has quickly become a crucial player for Benfica. Before his debut for the senior side in October, Benfica had only won eight out of their 14 matches in all competitions. However, after his debut, they have won 16 out of the 19 matches he has played in.

His energy, drive and incisive passing have really helped Benfica reinvigorate their season and he might just be the box-to -box midfielder Manchester United need to change their fortunes.