Andreas Pereira has admitted he may have to leave Manchester United to secure regular first-team football.
The midfielder told Brazilian TV station Esporte Interativo that he was open to the possibility of returning home or playing in Europe having failed to cement himself in the United team.
He is a player who was well-liked by Jose Mourinho who blocked him leaving the club on loan on at least once occasion. But with Mourinho sacked in December and replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the player looks increasingly on the fringes at Old Trafford and was close to leaving in the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old was dropped from the squad that took on Leicester City after a costly error against Burnley recently which led to a goal and having failed to impress Solskjaer, many suspect the player will be deemed surplus to requirements.
In an interview with Esporte Interativo, Pereira stated: “I have a lot of desire to play in Brazil and my preference will always be Santos. Of course, also, my family is from Paraná, we really like Athletico Paranaense.
"I think it’s the two clubs, if it is to have preference, they are the two clubs that I would like to play in Brazil. Also, by the way, there was even this speculation that I was going to Santos,"
"I even talked to the president, but unfortunately it was not possible. I also think that I have to finish a more established career here in Europe.
“So later… of course, it’s a dream to play in Santos. I told him, he understood, he was very nice to me. Of course, I wish the best for them, and God willing, this year we’ll win a little trophy there with Santos, right?"
With the games coming thick and fast for United in the next few weeks, the player will get another chance to impress as the squad is stretched to its limits. But it would appear it could be the player's final shot at becoming a United regular.
Well, here's the man himself to explain... 😄
