There was one positive from Wolves’ defeat to Fulham as Vitor Pereira named an academy jewel on the bench.
The talk of the squad Pereira named to play Fulham was the inclusion of Mateus Mane, a 17-year-old talent from the Wolves academy.
Having shone at U18 level this season after making the move from Rochdale in 2024, the teenager was handed the opportunity to experience the Premier League.
The youngster was on the bench for Wolves’ disappointing defeat to Fulham at Molineux, on what was a memorable occasion for the forward despite not getting on the pitch.
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Vitor Pereira shares exciting Mateus Mane verdict
Mane is one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents in Wolves’ academy at present, with real hope that the England U18 international can break into the first team.
It’s been quite the journey for the Portugal-born striker, who was a member of Rochdale’s academy only last year before integrating into the pressure cooker environment of a Premier League academy.
The new level of challenge hasn’t seemed to faze Mane, who has seven goal contributions in only 10 appearances in the academy this campaign.
Having earned the headlines in the academy, the teen’s talent has become difficult to ignore, with Pereira sharing a glowing review of the youngster’s potential in his post-match press conference.
When asked about Mane’s inclusion in the match day squad, the Wolves manager backed the forward to have a ‘big future’ at the club.
“He’s a talented player, I believe he has a big future at our club and I hope to give him the opportunity to play very soon.”
It’s an encouraging review from Pereira, who revealed his desire to get the 17-year-old integrated into the first team squad in the near future.
For now, the 2007-born star will relish his first taste of Premier League action and continue to push to impress Pereira at Compton Park.
What position does Mateus Mane play?
Pereira is keen to get Mane minutes in the Wolves squad, indicating that he believes the teenager is ready to take the step up to senior football.
The 17-year-old could come of use to the Old Gold as early as this season, being a forward with an eye for goal, prominently playing as a centre-forward.
Being a right-footed player, Mane has also featured on the right flank at times in his career, encouraging versatility across the front line from the early stages of his journey.
The Wolves boss is certainly won over by what the Englishman could offer the club for years to come, making his rise something to watch.