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Cape Town - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has thrown a protective arm around Andreas Pereira after some of his recent displays for Manchester United attracted criticism.
The Old Trafford midfielder was handed a new four-year deal in the summer and his manager is being true to his word by giving the 23-year-old a platform to impress this season.
Unfortunately, Pereira has cut a frustrated figure in the last few matches, and some fans could even be heard getting on his back during Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
He was eventually subbed off after 74 minutes against the Gunners but is likely be involved again on Thursday in United’s Europa League tie away to Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.
The Belgium-born Brazil international has started five of United’s seven Premier League games but has struggled in supplying the bullets for the Red Devils’ faltering frontline.
Club insiders insist the player is still being backed to come good under Solskjaer - the Norwegian recently held a private chat with Pereira to discuss his wider responsibilities in the team - and he will be given plenty more opportunities in the coming weeks and months.
Ander Herrera’s decision to run down his contract during the summer and join Paris Saint-Germain has clearly had an impact on the midfield options at the Theatre of Dreams.
Solskjaer has been forced to play Pereira alongside fellow youngster Scott McTominay, without much of a rest, owing to recent injuries suffered to Paul Pogba and winger Antony Martial.
Pereira, who has had previous loan spells at Granada and Valencia, is determined to grab his main United chance now it has finally arrived, and he will want to repay his manager’s faith in the process.
The 23-year-old has now made 42 first-team appearances for United, scoring twice, but has yet to find the back of the net this season.
- TeamTalk Media
