Wolves’ wonderkid is knocking on Vitor Pereira’s door after scoring outrageous goal for under-18s

Wolves have turned into a winning machine under Vitor Pereira, and while they’ll be determined to continue their streak, opportunities for some younger players could arise.

A run of six wins on the bounce have skyrocketed Wolves up to 13th in the Premier League, confirming their safety for a seventh successive campaign.

Wolves have achieved something remarkable under the Portuguese, becoming Europe’s most in-form team and taking enough points since Pereira arrived to guarantee their survival, even if they started on 0 in December.

When the Wanderers head to Manchester City in the Premier League, the 56-year-old will be looking to take the scalp of Pep Guardiola, who is fearful of Wolves.

This isn’t a match where the manager will experiment, expecting more of the same from his players, but he could offer minutes to some youngsters before the season ends.

• READ MORE: Vitor Pereira warns Fosun about devastating ‘problem’ Wolves could face in the transfer window

Mateus Mane knocking on Vitor Pereira’s door after scoring sensational goal

One talented youngster who could be handed his first-team debut in the final few matches is versatile forward Mateus Mane.

Mane, who signed from Rochdale in March 2024, has been in searing form for the under-18s side this term with seven goals and four assists in 15 appearances.

Pereira has also teased giving Mane his debut, suggesting he wanted to give the 17-year-old some minutes, with the teenager doing everything in his power to impress.

In a 4-2 win over Sunderland at the end of April, the 2007-born talent got on the scoresheet with a beautifully curled effort over the goalkeeper.

It wasn’t the first time that the England under-18 star stole the show this term, too, as head coach Richard Walker called Mane ‘the best player on the day’ against Manchester City last month.

The Portuguese-born forward is arguably the best talent coming through the academy, and as Wolves rarely give minutes to club-trained academy players, now is the best time.

• READ MORE: The three English giants Vitor Pereira almost joined before Wolves, as well as bitter rivals West Brom

Mane should be in line to make his Premier League debut

Following the trip to the Etihad, Wolves have three more Premier League games against Brighton, Crystal Palace and Brentford.

The forward is already knocking on the door for some senior minutes, and with some favourable fixtures on the horizon as well as nothing to play for, it would be a missed opportunity not to play him.

An appearance for Mane at the age of 17 would send the correct message to his teammates that, no matter a player’s age, it is possible to break into the first team with hard work, dedication and the talent to match.

Mane has inarguably shown those attributes in the academy, and much like other youngsters in the top-flight, deserves a chance to test himself on the big stage.