Mateus Mane makes stance over Wolves future after breakout season

Mateus Mane is determined to help Wolves get back “where they belong” as he expects to remain at Molineux next season.

The teenage academy graduate scored his third Premier League goal of the season during Wolves’ final home game of the campaign.

After impressing during a woeful season for the club, Mane is likely to attract attention from other top-flight sides despite Wolves dropping to the Championship. However, boss Rob Edwards insisted the 18-year-old’s future remains at Molineux, saying: “He will be with us.”

Mane echoed his manager’s comments after Wolves’ final Molineux outing of the season.

Asked if he expects to remain at Wolves, he told the Express & Star: “Definitely, we’ll see what happens this summer. I will just try my best to get Wolves back up in the Premier League where it belongs.”

The Portugal under-21 international is under contract at Molineux until June 2029, having signed an improved deal earlier this season, and he is hungry to help the Old Gold return to the top flight.

He added: “Definitely, I came and they worked on me very well. They took me onboard and now I have got to give it back to them.”

After bursting onto the scene, the teenager has become a regular in the Wolves starting line-up since the Christmas period. However, Wolves’ fortunes did not change, with relegation confirmed.

“It has definitely been tough, we are not in the position that we want to be,” Mane admitted.

“One more game to go to try and finish above Burnley, that’s what we are aiming for now.”

Wolves could avoid finishing bottom of the Premier League table with victory in their final game of the season away at fellow relegated side Burnley. The two sides will meet again in the Championship next season as they bid for an immediate return to the top flight.

Reflecting on his breakout season, Mane said: “For me, I feel like it’s been a fantastic season.

“It’s obviously not been the year we wanted it to be as a team, being relegated, but for my own season, I feel like I’ve been great.

“It’s my first breakout season and I’ve enjoyed every moment. But I know I’ve got to keep going now and see what happens in the future.

“It’s good to hear people saying nice things and I like to hear it, but I’ve got to keep fighting, try not to listen too much and focus on my game.

“I’ve always believed in myself. I thought this season I was going to get more game time, and it’s worked out for me.

“I’ve got a few goals, got a few assists, but now it’s time to keep working, keep moving, keep fighting, and next season, we’ve got to work hard to try and get the club back to where we want it to be, in the Premier League.”