‘Initial talks’ held: Man Utd insider says INEOS have sounded out move for breakout PL star this week

Manchester United have reportedly held ‘initial talks’ over a potential deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mateus Mane.As per reputable Red Devils insider Sully, Mane is ‘highly rated internally’ amongst INEOS chiefs and is garnering interest from a host of suitors ahead of the summer window.It’s expected that the breakout starlet will make a concrete decision on his Molineux future at the end of the season, with it now all but set in stone that Wolves will be spending 2026/2027 in the Championship, having claimed only nine points from their 26 matches played. 🇵🇹Understand #MUFC have held initial talks with 18 yo forward Mateus Mane’s agent. #WWFC attacker has interest from multiple clubs and will make a decision on whether he stays or leaves at the end of the season. Highly rated internally at Utd @centredevils https://t.co/ppfJoMTWn8 — Sully (@SullyTalkz) February 17, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYHow Mateus Mane is faring this campaign Wolves’ Mateus Mane shields the ball from Man United’s Diogo Dalot. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Mane has racked up 897 minutes of Premier League action since breaking into the Wolves team in November.After initially impressing in the six cameos he made off the bench, during which he registered an assist against league leaders Arsenal, the 18-year-old has now established a starting role under Rob Edwards, and has started the last nine games on the bounce. Appearances Starts Goals Assists 14 9 2 2 *Mane’s Premier League record in 2025/2026 (Transfermarkt)The Portugal-born forward has opted to represent England at international level following his call-up to the Under-18s in October 2024, so he will be hoping his eye-catching performances will see him bumped up to the next age bracket in the Three Lions setup.How United will free up space for new arrivals like Mane(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)When the window does roll around, United will be facilitating the exits of three attackers, so there’ll certainly be room for some up-and-coming talent to add to the ranks.Barcelona have every intention of activating Marcus Rashford’s £26 million buy clause come the end of his loan, while Napoli will have to sign Rasmus Hojlund permanently for £38m so long as they qualify for the Champions League.Additionally, Jadon Sancho will be drawing the curtains on a lacklustre five years at Old Trafford when his contract expires in June.