London born El-Mhanni had an interesting start to his footballing career. Whilst playing non-league football his close control and ball skills saw him hired for TV commercials and as a body double for Neymar and Ronaldo.

On the pitch the player would never make anything like that kind of impression. Despite trails at several Premier League clubs he eventually joined Newcastle United in the Championship. He had played two Cup games for the senior squad before eventually being released from his contract. He was later picked up by Scunthorpe United.