Man Utd Closing In on Wolves Wonderkid Mateus Mane as Molineux Faces Championship Drop

Picture this: Wolves are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, shipping goals like they're going out of fashion, but one lad's keeping the faith alive. Enter Mateus Mane, the 18-year-old attacker who's dribbling past defenders and turning heads faster than you can say 'relegation fodder'. With Manchester United now in the mix, this summer could see the Red Devils swoop for Wolves' brightest spark.

From Rochdale Roots to Premier League Tease

Mane isn't your typical Portuguese import – he grew up in England, ditched a Portugal youth call-up to pull on the Three Lions at U18 level, and joined Wolves from Rochdale's academy set-up in 2024. After a stint with Barreirense back home, he's back where he belongs, terrorising top-flight defences.

This season, he's notched 10 Premier League appearances, bagging a couple of goals – including a leveller against Everton that spared Wolves further blushes. He's featured in their FA Cup ties too, showing he's no flash in the pan. As FourFourTwo's Chris Nee highlights, scouts are buzzing about his breakthrough amid Wolves' woes.

Take that chaotic Arsenal clash. Down 2-1 in stoppage time, Mane whips in a dangerous cross from deep. David Raya flaps like a startled pigeon, colliding with Gabriel Magalhaes, spilling the ball for Tom Edozie to pounce. Riccardo Calafiori blocks on the line, but the drama narrows Arsenal's lead over Man City to five points. Stats don't capture it, but Mane's delivery had the Gunners in a right panic – 16 accurate passes aside, that was pure chaos creation from the league's basement boys.

United Lead the Transfer Hunt

Man Utd aren't hanging about. Centre Devils reports the club has kicked off initial chats with Mane's agent, with the teen highly rated internally. Scouts love his versatility – he can slot in across the attack or midfield, perfect for a side rebuilding on a budget.

TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones backs it up: sources near United see Mane as a smart punt, blending progressive flair with multi-positional cover. Liverpool are sniffing too, but the Red Devils are out front, eyeing him as part of a youth infusion alongside big-name PL targets. Wolves, staring down the barrel of the Championship, might cash in to balance the books – though they'll fight tooth and nail to keep their top prospect.

Interim boss Michael Carrick's influence on transfers? Time will tell, but with Jadon Sancho shown the door and question marks over Joshua Zirkzee, United need fresh blood. Even Chelsea's Liam Delap is on their radar for striker depth.

Bargain Hunt or Bold Move?

At 18 with under 20 top-flight games, Mane's a punt – but what a punt. In a Wolves side devoid of quality, he's already got more successful dribbles than most since his debut. Imagine him at Old Trafford, feeding Rasmus Hojlund or linking with Alejandro Garnacho.

If Wolves tumble, expect a fire sale. United could snag him cheap, turning relegation rubble into a gem. It's the kind of transfer that gets fans dreaming: low-risk, high-reward, and a proper 'told you so' if he explodes. Keep an eye – this one's got legs, and not just from all those dribbles.