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Pereira eyeing United future despite Valencia interest

Cape Town - Andreas Pereira acknowledges that Valencia are interested in signing him on a permanent basis, but the midfielder believes he can succeed at Manchester United.

The 22-year-old took up Los Che's offer to spend the 2017/18 campaign on loan at the Mestalla over fighting for a place in the United team - a move that disappointed manager Jose Mourinho.

Pereira has flourished in Spain under the guidance of Marcelino, whose side are on course to qualify for the UEFA Champions League as they sit fourth in the table and trail second-placed Atletico Madrid by just six points.

He has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Valencia, who made contact with his agent to enquire about a long-lasting deal, but the Brazil Under-23 international feels he has improved sufficiently to make the grade at Old Trafford.

"Valencia approached my agent and said they want to buy me which is flattering, but it wasn't like it was reported in the media. People said I'd demanded talks with Jose Mourinho when I've demanded nothing," Pereira told the South China Morning Post.

"The Valencia coach speaks with me a lot and we have a good understanding, but as far as I'm concerned I'm still a Manchester United player, with a contract at Old Trafford until 2020 and an ambition to make it at United. I've never sought to leave United.

"I'm a better player now. I'm used to playing for a high-level team that expects to win, to be competing at this level. I'm mentally tougher too.

"We play very good football with an explosive counter-attack. The manager demands this and pays incredible attention to detail. If something goes wrong then he tells you.

"I lost the ball in one game and was thinking 'Damn! I've lost the ball', but the manager doesn't want me to think, he wants me to press immediately, to focus without hesitation."

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