- Manchester United interested in Mateus Mane
- £50m rated star bound to leave Molineux in summer
- Wolves officially relegated from Premier after West Ham’s draw on Monday
Following Wolves’ relegation to the Championship last night (20 April), Manchester United will be on high alert ahead of this summer.
Last summer, the Reds swooped in on Matheus Cunha. The 26 year-old who has been a regular starter for the side under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. A return of 8 goals and 4 assists in his first season has laid the groundwork to push on next season.
The success of that transfer could lead the club to dip into their pockets into the Molineux once more. Rob Edward’s side boast a number of talented young players, with Mateus Mane being near the top of that list.
A 20th-place finish means that a host of key players are now expected to leave Wolverhampton this summer.
Mane Interest Could Ramp Up
Reports from February suggested that Manchester United held ‘initial talks’ with the agent of Mane. With Wolves’ future for next season now confirmed, a host of different factors could ramp up the interest in the winger.
Previously, Football Insider reported that the teenager was expecting a departure this summer if Wolves were relegated. Whilst the club isn’t keen on a departure, Mane’s head is expected to be turned with a host of Premier League clubs interested in him.
The other factor is that the Reds are able to financially plan ahead for the summer. Closing in on Champions League qualification is becoming a reality. Carrick’s side needs six points from their final five games, without having to rely on other results.
The Red Devils could also aggravate their pursuit of midfielder Joao Gomes, who is also being tracked by the side. With Casemiro leaving, the midfielder would be a talented addition to the squad alongside Mane. Together, the duo have been Wolves’ standout players in a miserable season.
Reds Won’t Pay Current Asking Price – Here’s Why
The current quoted fee of £50m for Mane is a staggering fee for an 18 year-old who does not have much experience to his name.
The 18-year-old came through the academy, having only established himself this season as a starter after Christmas. However, a return of two goals and two assists in 23 Premier League appearances this season suggests a rough diamond still finding his feet in the senior game.
Although the buyers are purchasing the potential of the teenager, there is a limited sample of experience to look at. The last time United did this, they signed Rasmus Hojlund for £72m. The Dane arrived with just 32 senior appearances for Serie A side Atalanta. After failing to live up to the hype, he is expected to permanently depart this summer for a fraction of his fee.
If United can negotiate a realistic fee, Mane would be a welcome addition to a left wing that needs depth However, the unresolved future of Marcus Rashford could complicate matters. As it stands, Barcelona are unlikely to trigger the buy option. If Rashford’s future can be resolved, Mane could represent the dawn of a new generation of exciting wing talent.
