Under contract at Manchester United until 2019, Andreas Pereira knows this coming season is make or break for him when it comes to fulfilling his dream of becoming a regular at Old Trafford.
Sent out on loan to Valencia against José Mourinho’s wishes, who wanted to keep him around to help with the homegrown quota, the Brazil U23 international has managed to wriggle his way into Marcelino’s starting XI, and he’s hoping that will be enough to show the Red Devils they should give him a chance.
Speaking to Sport/Foot in Belgium, he said: “The manager will see me in a different light if I come back from Valencia with a good report card. I’ll then change status more easily than if I continued to simply try and get a break as a homegrown talent.”
His ability to settle this year comes down to last season’s loan spell with Granada, where he was one of the stars of a team who struggled, eventually getting relegated to La Liga2.
On the experience, Pereira said: “It was a good experience. I now know what it’s like to fight for a point. It strengthens you physically and mentally when you play week in, week out at the highest level. You don’t learn anything on the bench.
“However, I know I can’t claim a starting spot at Manchester United. All you have to do is look at the bench.”
That might change next season, depending on how many players José Mourinho purchases and the number he allows to leave in the summer.
Furthermore, they’ll know exactly what they’ll be getting when the 22-year-old returns from his loan spell in July.
He explained: “The Manchester United technical staff follow me closely. We speak on the phone regularly or we send each other messages on WhatsApp. I also communicate with Mourinho.”
“I dreamed of playing for Manchester United, and I still do. I’m still under contract there. The staff now see that I can hold my spot at Valencia, that I’m at the required level.”
No one can predict what will happen this summer, but there is one thing Andreas Pereira is adamant about, which could greatly impact his potential Old Trafford career.
He said: “My future at Valencia depends on Manchester United. All the options remain open, but I don’t want to be loaned again. I’ve shown what I can do. This summer, I want clarity. I want to be able to stay at a club for two to three years in order to build something.”
José Mourinho, you’ve been warned.
