Mateus Mane has been a player many Wolves fans have been talking about recently, with calls for him to get first-team minutes.
So far this season, the young talent has been snubbed, with Liam Keen believing Mane won’t see much of the pitch for Vitor Pereira this campaign.
The head coach himself did speak about Mane, admitting he believes the player will eventually be one of the ‘top’ attackers in the Premier League but insisted, ‘This is not the time’ for the talent.
The academy prospect was once again in action for the youth team, and with Pereira’s recent comments and the calls for Mane’s inclusion in the squad, he became the talking point among the fanbase once again.
Mateus Mane catches Wolves fans’ eyes once again
Mateus Mane did not score or assist in Wolves’ Premier League 2 match against Middlesbrough’s under-21s, but he was still the standout man for fans online.
Supporters took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to provide their admiration for the player’s talents, with a few questioning why he has not been called up for Vitor Pereira’s squad yet.
After watching him in action, one Wolves fan said, “Mateus Mane is showing the whole repertoire of what a serious modern-day forward talent is. Carries it, presses, quality delivery, plays off both feet. Unreal.”
Another followed up with the same sentiment, stating, “Some player Mateus Mane is, by the way. Absolutely cooked their fullback at times. The skill and dribbling ability is one thing, but the kid has got a real eye for a pass too.”
A different fan believes Mane is what Wolves need right now and said, “I know academy football is different from the Premier League, but he’s the exact profile we’ve been crying out for this season; surely his time has to come soon.”
One Old Gold supporter also said, “And he didn’t make the bench last time out once again, leaving us with a bagful of defenders on the bench instead. Crazy strategy, Wolves.”
Speaking in his pre-Burnley press conference, Pereira said, “I believe, sooner or later, he will have the opportunity,” but with a fully fit squad ahead of facing the Clarets, that time will likely not be Sunday.
Mateus Mane fits both of Wolves’ formations
When the time eventually comes for Mateus Mane to be a regular feature in the first team, he can slot into either of the two systems Vitor Pereira uses.
Mane is versatile and has played both out wide and down the middle for the under-21s this season. He has even been deployed as a number ten.
The versatility will do no harm to his chances at first-team opportunities when they arrive.
| Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Attacking Midfield | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Centre-Forward | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Right-Winger | 2 | 1 | 1 |
His ability to play across three separate roles gives the attacker a better chance at being selected.
With players such as Ladislav Krejci, Vitor Pereira has already said how much he rates versatility.