Mateus Mane was expected to be one of Wolves' most influential players in their pursuit of a Premier League return, but the youngster now faces an unexpected challenge under Cesar Peixoto.

The Old Gold returned to winning ways on Friday after a difficult week, coming from behind to beat Burnley 2-1 at Turf Moor, with Fer Lopez and Tawanda Chirewa finding the net.

Alongside the points, the performance also provided Peixoto with plenty to consider on the attacking front, potentially leaving Mane facing a battle that not many would have anticipated ahead of Wolves' Championship return.

Rafiki Said gives Mateus Mane Wolves competition

After he emerged as a bright spark during Wolves' difficult Premier League campaign last season, Mane was expected to play a central role as the Black Country club pushed for promotion.

However, the 19-year-old found himself among the substitutes on Friday, with Rafiki Said handed his first Championship start following his recovery from knee surgery.

After cameos against Middlesbrough and Bolton, he made the most of the opportunity from the off, providing a constant threat down the left flank with his directness.

He was central to the visitors' equaliser, dispossessing Kyle Walker before Sean Neave played the loose ball into goalscorer Lopez, and he never shied away from taking on his opposite number, even when things weren't coming off for the Comoros international.

In the second half, he presented Tommy Doyle with a huge opportunity to extend the advantage, after beating two Burnley players and delivering a dangerous cross following a carry from his own half.

For Mane, who has had an underwhelming start to the season, the display of the summer signing could be the boost that he needs, albeit an unexpected one for supporters.

Mateus Mane provides Wolves reminder after Burnley introduction

Replacing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde shortly after the hour mark, Mane produced an encouraging display in a more free role, allowed to drift between wide and central zones.

But even out on the left, he still looked considerably sharper than he did during some of his recent appearances, with some lovely touches and pieces of skill as Wolves saw out the match.

He also played an important part in Chirewa's winner, reacting first to Igor Julio's error to play through his teammate to complete the comeback.

Mane is an exceptional talent at such an early stage of his career, and the poor start to the campaign will not have aided his confidence.

However, he proved on Friday that he can have a place in the team, and Said's introduction out wide may allow him to begin operating more centrally on a regular basis.

He was expected to be the star man for Wolves this term, and that has not quite panned out as expected, and the surprise performance of Said out on the left will either be a problem or a blessing for Mane, depending on how he reacts to the situation.

If he reacts as he did against Burnley on Friday, Peixoto could be set to get the best out of him.

Cesar Peixoto could benefit from Wolves selection dilemma

As is often the case, the emergence of genuine competition for players can be a huge benefit, and this is most definitely the case for Wolves.

Said's absence during the opening months, alongside Bertrand Traore's battle to regain fitness, has meant that both Mane and Rodrigo Gomes have faced no competition on the flanks in the opening months.

Now, that situation has changed, with Peixoto making six changes against Burnley during an intense Championship run of three matches in six days.

What is Peixoto's best frontline? Comment your opinion below

Following this, Mane's replacement out on the left more than seized the opportunity, and there is little reason for the Wolves boss to overlook him heading into the midweek clash against Portsmouth.

If Bertrand Traore can get up to speed as well, Peixoto will have four wide options for the first time this season, and the competition could help bring out the best in everyone involved, including the man tipped to star this term in Mane.