Andreas Pereira: Loan to Valencia the right move for the youngster?

Manchester United’s biggest loans out this summer were Fosu-Mensah to Crystal Palace and Andreas Pereira to Valencia but was the temporary transfer the right step?

While most praised the Fosu-Mensah move and wish the Dutch youngster all the luck in the world, it appears like Pereira’s move has angered United fans who seem to think that he was ready for some first team action. Although they play in different positions, both are in the same steps of their respective careers.

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Fosu-Mensah had too much competition in his positions of right-back, centre-back or even midfield for that matter but was happy to move to Crystal Palace, already winning their fans over and managing to make his debut for the Netherlands. Andreas on the other hand seems forced out, a transfer completed in the last few moments of the summer window.

After an encouraging pre-season, most United fans thought the Brazilian born midfielder had it in him to start for the Red Devils when need be. The player himself all made it clear to Mourinho and the world that he feels ready to represent one of the biggest clubs in the world after last season’s loan at Granada.

The truth however, is quite simple. Mourinho clearly values the player but has probably been as straightforward as he is with all his players. The likelihood is that Pereira heard something he didn’t quite like and wasn’t promised the game time he anticipated he would get, all before Matic’s relatively late arrival of course.

In pre-season he featured in all the midfield positions from attacking midfield to defensive midfield, showing his versatility with Jose testing the youngster to see where he can play best. Overall there were some good showings and many expected him to kick on and fight for a spot on the XI.

It appears however that the two footed kid was not too please with the prospects of his game time and moved back to Spain’s top division in a bid to improve himself. In truth, if he wasn’t going to get much game time then it makes more sense to give him competitive football elsewhere than to rust on the benches.

Pereira is just unfortunate that he’s at the club at a time where the team is well stocked in all the positions he plays in. It’s not that Mourinho doesn’t trust youth, there’s just no space realistically. Martial and Rashford are testament to what happens when you’re in the right place at the right time.

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Unfortunately for Andreas he will have to wait it out one more year and when he returns perhaps the club will be in a better position to accommodate him. Carrick may be retired by then and suddenly a spot may open up for the promising player. He shouldn’t be disheartened and instead grab the opportunity by the scruff of the neck like Fosu-Mensah has. Who knows? His time may yet come.

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