Man Utd identify Rashford replacement as transfer battle commences

Updated: 4 Sept 2026 16:08 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Manchester United reportedly held talks to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers wonderkid Mateus Mane over the summer and they are expected to rekindle their interest in the attacker next year.

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Mane, 18, enjoyed a breakout campaign at Wolves last season and he has established himself as an integral player under new boss Cesar Peixoto following the club’s relegation back down to the Championship.

Current ETV

Mateus Mané

F, M (C)

Wolves

Mateus Mané

F, M (C)

Wolves

ETV Range

€8.3M - €13.8M

The forward, who can play as a left winger or as an attacking midfielder, is yet to register a goal contribution in six appearances so far this term, but he has caught the eye during the early weeks of the season, with Wolves currently fourth in the second-tier table.

Virtually every Premier League club was linked with a move for Mane following his breakthrough campaign last year and TEAMtalk claim that Man Utd and Liverpool held talks over a summer deal for the 18-year-old, before eventually deciding against a transfer.

Meanwhile, Wolves had no interest in sanctioning a sale this summer, despite Liverpool launching a late approach during the final few days of the window.

However, it’s reported that both clubs will continue to monitor his situation, with Man Utd perhaps a more likely destination following Liverpool’s signings of Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz this summer.

In addition, fellow ‘big-six’ clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also set to follow Mane’s development at Molineux as they ponder a possible pursuit in 2027.

Who should Mateus Mane join?

Data analytics experts SciSports believe that Serie A giants AS Roma would be Mane’s best destination if he leaves Wolves next year, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side boasting a Club Fit score of 86, narrowly above the likes of Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace.

Man Utd, meanwhile, are rated as his eighth-most suitable next club, and they are significantly clear of Liverpool, who sit in 80th place, largely due a perceived lack of game time he would receive at Anfield.

So, if the 18-year-old is to depart Wolves next year, either in January or in the summer, it appears as though he would be better off joining Man Utd than Liverpool if both clubs are set to battle each other for his signature.

Furthermore, if Man Utd are able to win the race for Mane next year, he could replace Marcus Rashford as their new first-choice left winger for 2027/28.