Earlier today, we covered reports from Portugal which said Manchester United goalkeeper Joel Pereira is being loaned to Vitória de Setúbal.
Newspaper Record claims that it was José Mourinho himself who indicated the player to his home town club, as the boss is looking to give the 22-year-old more playing time.
Pereira hadn’t even been linked to Vitória this summer, so the loan comes as a surprise. The goalkeeper was actually wanted by Sporting, who still need a goalkeeper after Rui Patrício left for Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.
And why did the negotiations with Sporting collapse? Newspaper A Bola comes up with an explanation today, saying there was a special factor that blocked a deal with Manchester United.
According to the newspaper, the Red Devils wanted the guarantee that Pereira would be a starter during the season.
Sporting couldn’t promise them that, and pulled out of the race as soon as they heard these demands.
This is understandable for both parts. Manchester United are only loaning Pereira so he can play, and a big club like Sporting can’t guarantee they will start a certain player regardless of his performances, while they challenge for the league title.
Vitória de Setúbal it is for Joel Pereira then.
