Joel Pereira penned a fresh 4-year contract with Man United with an option for an additional season as Jose Mourinho thinks that he will become the Portugal No. 1 goalkeeper in the future.
The 21-year-old made his first team debut in January is currently the third choice behind David de Gea and Sergio Romero, but Mourinho is confident that Pereira could have a bright future at the club. “Joel progressed really well during the course of the last season through hard work and commitment every day in training,” Mourinho stated. Jose added: “I know I have said this before but I really do believe, if he continues his development and continues to work hard, he really can become the best Portuguese goalkeeper of the next generation. Well done Joel.”
Pereira couldn’t hide his excitement after he signed a new deal: “I have been at United for a number of years now and since the first day here I have enjoyed every minute,” he said. “Over the last season I feel I have made great progress as a goalkeeper and this will stand me in good stead for continuing my development as a Manchester United player,” added the young goalkeeper.
Joel Pereira began his career in the youth ranks of the Swiss football club Neuchâtel Xamax and then joined the Red Devils in 2012. He spent some time on loans at Rochdale and Belenenses, while he made his Man United debut on 29 January 2017, coming off the bench as a substitute for Sergio Romero in the 80th minute against Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup tie. The following May, Pereira started for the first time in the Premier League, against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
It is only a matter of time when Pereira will become Man United’s first choice goalkeeper, and he certainly has enough quality to wear the No. 1 shirt in the future, while the time is on his side as well.
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