Manchester United’s Andreas Pereira ‘Ready’ For First Team Football
The Brazilian born midfielder feels that after a season long loan with Granada he’s ready for first team football with Manchester United but where does Andreas Pereira fit in?
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website the academy product said of the loan, “It went well and I think I have found another position. I think it’s good to be more of an all-round player…”. Pereira also said, “I will play in any position and feel I can fulfil many roles.”.
It’s likely Mourinho will love the youngster’s hunger for games at Manchester United and with 37 appearances under his belt, Pereira feels himself “…getting stronger and more energetic from playing games each week.”. It would be fair to say both manager and player feel the loan was a successful one and fans will be hoping the technical midfielder can push on next season.
Speaking about what positions he can play in, the 21 year old said “I played out wide in the beginning then, after that, I played more as a no.10 and, then in the last two or three months, I’ve played as a central midfielder,”. Versatility will be key for the creative player with Jose garnering a reputation of being a tactical master.
Pereira feels the different type of football he played with over at Granada was difficult to adjust to but that “… it’s a good challenge for me and I’m handling it as well.”. Learning how to defend might be useful for the promising youngster as Mourinho is also notorious for keeping men behind the ball and countering opposition teams to devastation.
Will this also help him should he play for the first team next season? Time will tell but Andreas feels the loan was ‘the best thing’ for him to do. He was also fortunate enough to be coached by former Arsenal legend Tony Adams; an experience any young footballer should be excited by and Pereira was no different despite initially not knowing he was Mr Arsenal.
“At first, I admit I hadn’t followed his career so closely so I didn’t know he was Mr. Arsenal!. Of course I have a lot of respect for what he did in his career. I know he’s a very good guy to speak with me and I am happy that he is here to guide me.”.
According to Manchester Evening News, Mourinho previously said “I love Andreas Pereira as a player and I would love to have him in my squad.” so there shouldn’t be much surprise should he be more involved in the first team next year.
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Pereira certainly thinks so, ” I feel I’m ready, more than ready, to play men’s football now. I am more mature as well, physically and mentally, and I am ready to come back and hopefully push to play next season for United.”.