Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira is prepared to make the first-team cut under Jose Mourinho following a season-long loan with Spanish club Granada. The Brazilian midfielder was one of the key performers for the Andalusian club despite their relegation from La Liga.
Pereira, 21, bagged five goals and three assists (WhoScored) during his temporary spell in Spain, and this has provided valuable experience as he looks to break into Mourinho’s team.
The Brazil under-23 international was initially positioned on the flanks during his early stint with Granada, but he, later on, moved into the number 10 role before taking up a central midfield position under Tony Adams.
“I think I’m ready now,” he told the club’s official website. “I have played over 2,000 minutes now in men’s football, in La Liga, and I did quite well. 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.”
Pereira had spent time in the United reserves under former boss Warren Joyce, who felt that the youngster had the qualities to excel as a box-to-box midfielder. However, it has taken him a while to realise his potential, and he now appears keen on pushing for a place under the Special One.
Mourinho has already communicated his transfer targets to vice executive chairman Ed Woodward, and Pereira may have a tough task of making the matchday squad next season unless he puts up a good showing during the pre-season tour.
Marcus Rashford took his opportunities with both hands following his rise to the top and Pereira may have to scrap for any playing time next term in order to convince Mourinho of his abilities.
Pereira has managed 13 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United to date – with his debut coming as a late substitute in the 4-0 humiliation against MK Dons in the 2014/15 EFL Cup.
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