Wolves fans left Molineux feeling unhappy in their penultimate home game of the Premier League season.
After losing 1-0 to Manchester City last weekend, Wolves wanted to bounce back and cement themselves in 13th position.
European-chasers Brighton arrived at Molineux with a point to prove, though, and goals either side of half time from Danny Welbeck and Brajan Gruda secured the Seagulls all three points.
Wolves’ 2-0 defeat to Brighton was their first time tasting successive defeats since the end of January, telling of how brilliant they’ve been in recent months.
But while Wolves fans directed their anger towards Marshall Munetsi, who produced another disappointing display, there was a reason to feel optimistic about the future.
Mateus Mane becomes Wolves youngest Premier League debutant
In March last year, Wolves signed Mateus Mane from National League side Rochdale, seeing the 17-year-old as one for the future.
The exciting forward has since starred for the under-18s this term, with Richard Walker left impressed by Mane against Man City, labelling him the ‘best player’ on the pitch.
The 2007-born gem is arguably the most talented player to come through the academy of late, and some fans wanted him to feature before the end of the season.
Pereira has even teased minutes for Mane in the closing stages, and he granted supporters and players wish against Brighton.
With no way back for Wolves in the match, the Portuguese introduced the youngster for the final few minutes of the game, replacing midfielder Andre.
In doing so, Mane became the club’s youngest ever player to make his debut in the Premier League, aged 17 years and 7 months, beating Anthony Forde’s record which stood almost 14 years.
| Name | Debut | Match | Age at debut |
| Mateus Mane | May 10th, 2025 | Wolves 0-2 Brighton | 17 years, 7 months, 13 days |
| Anthony Forde | November 26th, 2011 | Chelsea 3-0 Wolves | 18 years, 10 days |
| Fabio Silva | September 21st, 2020 | Wolves 1-3 Man City | 18 years, 2 months, 2 days |
| Leon Chiwome | March 30th, 2024 | Aston Villa 2-0 Wolves | 18 years, 2 months, 20 days |
| Pedro Lima | January 6th, 2025 | Nottingham Forest 0-3 Wolves | 18 years, 6 months, 6 days |
| Morgan Gibbs-White | August 11th, 2018 | Wolves 2-2 Everton | 18 years, 6 months, |
The future is bright for Wolves
Two defeats on the bounce is, of course, disappointing for Wolves. But the silver lining on Saturday afternoon was Mane making his Premier League debut, something that would have been unthinkable last August.
The teenager doesn’t turn 18 till September, and the fact he’s already made an appearance at the highest level is a testament to his talent.
Wolves will need to bounce back in their final two games against Crystal Palace and Brentford to end the season on a high, with Mane no doubt hoping for further opportunities.