Wolves have started the season poorly, and manager Vitor Pereira may now look to the academy to help turn things around.
While Pereira admits he hasn’t yet settled on a preferred starting team, opportunities are beginning to open for promising youngsters.
Mateus Mane has impressed at academy level and could benefit from the first team’s poor form.
The 18-year-old’s recent strike has caught the attention of both the Wolves coaching staff and the Molineux faithful.
With the senior squad struggling for goals and creativity, Mane could finally be given a chance to make an impact in the first team.
Wolves fans react to Mateus Mane’s superb strike
Wolves’ academy side lost 3-2 against Arsenal, with Tawanda Chirewa and Mane grabbing the goals for the Old Gold.
Ahead of the new season, Mane admitted he wanted to break into the first team, and his impressive form for the academy suggests his first senior start for the West Midlands outfit may not be far away.
Wolves fans have taken to social media ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Everton, raving about Mateus Mane and calling for him to be handed a first-team opportunity.
@NaviKhuttan: “Get him into the 1st team.”
@Mark4947: “If this kid is good enough he’s old enough get him in and see what he can do.”
@MattWolf_117: “I get he’s destined for bigger things but make the most of him in the first team while we have him.”
@David64440867: “Surely has to be in the starting 11 tomorrow?”
Mane deserves to be given a chance against Everton
Ahead of the match against Everton, Pereira is being urged to make drastic changes to the starting lineup in an attempt to secure a positive result.
A Carabao Cup tie against Everton offers the perfect stage for Mateus Mane, with less pressure than a Premier League fixture.
He is in better form compared to the majority of the senior attackers and looks a natural fit for Pereira’s system, offering pace in behind and a proven eye for goal from distance.
The youngster’s hunger and drive could provide the creative spark that has been missing in recent weeks.
Even a place on the bench would allow him to make an impact against tired legs and show he’s ready to make the step up.