Manchester United’s Andreas Pereira is preparing for his biggest ever season in professional football, as the Brazilian youth international attempts to force his way into the club’s first team plans after two successive seasons on loan in Spain. The Belgian-born 22-year old spent time at Granada and Valencia over the last two campaigns, with the latter loan spell reportedly against Jose Mourinho’s wishes. As it turned out, injuries to Paul Pogba meant that the United manager turned to Scott McTominay in order to patch up his midfield at various points, with Pereira missing his opportunity for a run in the side.
Still, having made 66 appearances in La Liga over those two seasons, Pereira has reiterated his desire to push his way into his manager’s plans this season.
“It was a very important year for me at Valencia and I learned a lot,”said Pereira, in quotes carried by Manutd.com. “I had a lot of experiences out there and I am very happy to be back. I am ready to play. This pre-season is very important for the team. We have to prepare very well for what is coming up next and I am doing my best to get minutes, and to show that I am ready
Something currently working against Pereira at present is United’s options in midfield, with Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, the newly-purchased Fred and Scott McTominay all at Mourinho’s disposal. But Pereira doesn’t appear to be overly phased by the competition, and with several of those players mentioned not currently available due to their exertions in the World Cup, and opportunity has opened up.
“The manager asked me what position I will play and I said I will play any position he would like. Now I am in this position as a number six. I will try to do my best and of course everyone is helping me a lot, including the manager, by telling me what to do.”
