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Manchester United’s summer plans are gathering pace and a number of key areas are expected to be addressed. A new midfielder remains at the top of the priority list, while the Red Devils are also looking to sign a new left winger.
Meanwhile, INEOS must also draw up succession plans for Bruno Fernandes, whose contract expires at the end of next season. The Portuguese was linked with a move away last summer and his future remains unclear at this time.
The upcoming transfer window therefore represents a crucial opportunity for the Premier League giants to continue their recent rise under agent Michael Carrick.
United have shown a preference in recent times for Premier League proven talent, while also injecting youthful energy into the squad. One player who fits both criteria and remains strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford is Mateus Mane.
The rising star of the Premier League
Mane is slowly starting to make his mark at the top of English football this season. The 18-year-old joined Wolverhampton Wanderers’ youth academy in 2024 and was promoted to the first team last season.
Mane has taken his game to another level this season and has been a constant in the starting XI since December last year. The teenager has already scored two goals and one assist in seventeen Premier League appearances this season.
Mateus Mane Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Performances (sub) | 17 (6) |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| XG | 1.25 |
| SJAH | 1.59 |
| Shots on goal in the penalty area | 5 |
| Shots on goal outside the penalty area | 10 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 25 |
| Hit Woodwork | 1 |
| Free kicks (scored) | 1 (1) |
| Crosses (completed %) | 29 (21%) |
| Passing (completed %) | 244 (77%) |
| Long strides (completed %) | 17 (18%) |
| Corners taken | 9 |
| Minutes played | 1,077 |
| Dribbles (completed %) | 53 (34%) |
| Duels won | 73 |
| Won aerial duels | 7 |
| Total tackles | 17 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 |
| Yellow cards | 0 |
| Violations | 16 |
Source: Premier League website.
Mane has featured in the last 11 league games and is fast becoming a key figure for the Midlands club. The youngster can operate in central midfield, as a number 10 or further forward, and could even be a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.
An earlier report from The Peoples Person stated that Liverpool are also in the race and are willing to spend big on Mane this summer, with United keeping a close eye on him. An update on the situation has now been published.
United do not want to match Mane’s asking price
According to Football insiderboth United and Liverpool are reluctant to match Wolves’ £50m valuation for the youngster. The report states: “Liverpool and Manchester United will not pay Wolves’ £50m asking price for starlet Mateus Mane this summer, sources have told Football Insider.”
“Wolves have no intention of letting go of the 18-year-old before next season, but Premier League clubs are expected to test that resolve with summer offers for the star.”
“However, both Liverpool and Manchester United have decided they do not want to match the bottom club’s valuation for the attacking midfielder as sources say he is still seen as too raw to warrant such a significant fee.”
The Midlands club are bottom of the Premier League with eleven games left to play, 17 points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. Mane is under contract until 2029, and while Wolves are under no pressure to let him go, things could change if they end up being relegated.
Final thoughts
Mane fits into United’s recent transfer strategy, so they will likely keep a close eye on his performances for the rest of the season. The teenager’s price tag brings significant risk to the chase, but the Red Devils could be forced into action this summer if he continues his meteoric rise.
Featured Image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images
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