Valencia are reportedly set to sign Andreas Pereira on a loan from Manchester United, but the decision to leave or stay will depend solely on the youngster
According to a report by Daily Mail, Andreas Pereira could be on his way to join Valencia this summer, with the Spanish club interested in securing a loan move for the youngster. However, the decision is for Pereira to make. Jose Mourinho would like him to remain with United but joining Valencia could provide him with a lot more game time.
Pereira has been an integral part of the United squad in the pre-season games so far, and featured for the Red Devils against Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. It is understood that Mourinho is impressed with the 21-year-old’s performances and is considering involving him more with the first-team squad.
The talented Brazilian was touted as the next big thing for United after having emerged from the club’s academy in recent years. However, he has failed to establish himself as a regular first-team member for United. While the youngster does not lack talent, he is believed to be a diamond in the rough and will require a lot of work.
At an attempt to groom him further, Pereira was sent out on a season-long loan spell to Granada in 2016/17. The youngster put up brilliant performances for an otherwise struggling team which finished at rock bottom in La Liga. Pereira’s skills have clearly not gone unnoticed as Mourinho is now keen on retaining the player.
Even in the pre-season tour matches, the midfielder has played a pivotal role and was often deployed in a deeper role by Mourinho, wherein he has excelled. It is important to note that Pereira played in the same position for major chunks of the previous season.
Having said that, the situation is not the same anymore. After having signed Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, United have improved considerably. The youngster will want to play regular football this season, and that is likely to be in jeopardy with Matic in the fray.
Thus, a loan to join Valencia can work out in the best interests of Manchester United as well as Pereira. He can complete his loan spell and return to Old Trafford as a much more experienced and refined player. Fighting for a spot in the squad can yield better results then, than it can right now.
