The 2025/26 campaign looks as though it could be one to remember for Wolves starlet Mateus Mane.
On matchday 36, Mane recorded his Premier League debut in his first senior appearance for the Old Gold.
Wolves secured the signing of the 17-year-old from Rochdale in March 2024, and it’s fair to say that the forward has impressed tremendously.
Vitor Pereira has spoken very highly of Mane, paving the way for the teenager to take the primary steps into his career in the first team.
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Mateus Mane is accepting of Vitor Pereira’s high standards
The Wolves manager introduced the England U18 international in the 89th minute of the Old Gold’s defeat to Brighton.
It was heartwarming to learn that Pereira simply told Mane to enjoy his debut, taking pressure away from the youngster before he stepped onto the pitch.
Despite the guidance that the boss has shown to Mane and other members of Wolves’ academy, the teen admitted that one thing will be ‘hard’ to do when it comes to Pereira.
“It’s going to be hard to try to impress Vitor,” Mane insisted before explaining his plans to get himself ready to challenge Pereira’s high standards, via Wolves’ official website.
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“I’m just going to get all my work done during the off-season; strength-wise, physically, and everything, I’m just going to focus so I can come straight in next season, try to impress everyone and show what I’m really capable of.”
Though the rising star is wary of the levels needed to impress his manager, he does not need to fret, as Pereira believes Mane will become a Premier League star in the future.
Breakthrough season in sight for Mane because of Pereira
Wolves have given Mane his first taste of being a part of a Premier League academy, but his time in the youth teams did not last long.
Pereira pays close attention to Wolves’ academy, introducing talents who catch his eye to first-team training to properly assess the next generation.
When looking at history, there are few coaches better to support young players on their rise to stardom than the boss.
Arda Guler credited Pereira for handing him his senior debut, which set the tone for his career, becoming a Champions League winner with Real Madrid only three years later.
It appears that if the Wolves manager sees potential in a player, he won’t wait to take a chance, which bodes well with the talent hoping to make it in the West Midlands.