The race is on to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Mateus Mane, and Manchester United are reportedly in it. The English teenager has caught the eye at Molineux despite his side enduring one of the worst seasons in Premier League history.
United missed out on Antoine Semenyo when the Ghanaian attacker decided to join Manchester City. He was at the top of INEOS’ wishlist as they looked to add a wide man to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Amorim was sacked just days later after voicing clear frustration with the higher-ups. The Portuguese coach was replaced by caretaker coach Michael Carrick.
Man United mad for Mane
Signing a new left-winger might be on the agenda for Manchester United this summer. That’s despite Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo making excellent starts at Old Trafford.
Amad has also been impressive, and Shea Lacey looks to have a bright future. Patrick Dorgu had been Carrick’s first-choice left-winger at the start of his reign until sustaining a hamstring injury.
It looks increasingly likely that Marcus Rashford will leave United permanently at the end of the season. The English forward has spent the season on loan at Barcelona, and the La Liga giants are reportedly trying to negotiate a fee below a £26m buy option.
According to CentreDevils, the club have held “initial talks” with Mane’s agent in recent days. The Wolves attacker is believed to have interest from “multiple clubs” and will make a decision over his future at the end of the season.
The Reds’ scouts have been impressed by Mane, and he is “highly rated internally.” A move for the 18-year-old is aided if his current club suffer relegation.
Wolves sit 20th in the Premier League table, 15 points from safety. Just 12 games remain for Rob Edwards men to try and pull off one of the greatest miracles in English football history.
State of play
Mane might be keen to remain in the top-flight amid a breakthrough season at Molineux. He has made 15 league appearances, posting two goals and as many assists.
Edwards spoke glowingly of the Portuguese-born winger after a 3-0 win over West Ham United in early January. He told BBC Sport that the “fantastic” youngster had already become a “favourite” and “rightly so.”
Mane has just over three years left on his contract with the West Midlands outfit. He has been with the club since early 2024, when he joined from Rochdale’s youth academy.
Do the deal
United have the chance to sign Mane for a reasonable fee gives Wolves’ expected relegation. INEOS’ strategy of conducting a squad rebuild focused on youth has worked well thus far.
Mane ticks all the boxes and could be an ideal option to play as backup to whoever starts on the left next season. He has shown maturity beyond his years, not just with his performances.
The England U18 speaks well in the media and has shown the right mentality. It’s important that the club’s transfer chiefs factor in players’ personalities, given past issues of player power taking hold.
There seems to be plenty of interest in Mane, but the Reds can use Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro as examples of the pathways to the first team. The promise of regular game time could be crucial in winning the race for his signature.
