Manchester United remain interested in signing Mateus Mane – but face growing competition from Premier League rivals to agree a deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet, according to a new report.
Breakout Season
Despite the struggles surrounding him, Mane has enjoyed a breakout campaign at Molineux.
The 18-year-old winger, who boasts dizzying dribbling and excellent decision-making, made his debut for Wolves at the end of last season. He has built upon this ascension into the first team this year, becoming a mainstay under Robert Edwards.
The English coach, who took charge at Molineux in November after Vitor Pereira’s sacking, hailed the “fearless” youngster after a standout display against West Ham United, where Mane became Wolves’ youngest ever Premier League goal scorer in a 3-0 win.
“He’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing. He’s got a really good attitude, but he’s affected games very, very well with his intensity and his selfless work, but then real moments of quality and bravery, which I think has rubbed off on the group as well,” Edwards stated.
Eyed by England’s Elite
With the Black Country side having been destined for relegation for much of a torrid season, rivals have been keeping a close eye on Mane’s situation in hopes of striking a cut-price deal this summer. United, on the hunt for a new left-winger, are joined by Liverpool as the two frontrunners for the Barreiro native, who holds dual citizenship in England and Portugal.
A report relayed The Peoples Person claims the Red Devils have placed Mane at the “very top of their transfer shortlist” as they look to “finalise the transfer quickly”. Conversely, Liverpool are understood to have already “conducted a preliminary meeting” with the player’s camp to lay out their case.
Sports Boom confirms the bitter north west rivals are “favourites” for Mane’s signature, but reveals Nottingham Forest are now “ready to throw themselves into the transfer fight” for the teenager.
The Tricky Trees are currently managed by Pereira, who replaced Sean Dyche in February and has guided his new side to safety. There were rumours during his time at Molineux that he did not rate Mane, but Sports Boom reject this.
“Despite suggestions he was unsure about the teenager’s potential whilst in charge at Molineux, sources in the East Midlands last night confirmed Pereira was always convinced Mane would develop into one of English football’s most exciting talents after overseeing a critical phase of his career.
“Mane signed his first professional contract under Pereira after being drafted into the Portuguese coach’s senior squad and has since emerged as one of the brightest young forwards in the country.”
The report states Pereira is now “preparing to refresh his options” at the City Ground after staving off relegation – with a reunion with Mane firmly in his crosshairs.
Final Thoughts
A key advantage United are said to hold over Liverpool is a clearer pathway to first-team opportunities, given the presence of Cody Gakpo and wonderkid Rio Ngumoha at Anfield. By contrast, neither Patrick Dorgu nor Matheus Cunha, last summer’s capture from Wolves, are out-and-out left-wingers in the mould of Mane.
And while Forest look ready to move aggressively to strike a deal with their Midlands rivals, United would have little trouble dispatching them in a straight shootout to secure the 18-year-old starlet.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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