Andreas Pereira | 2014/15 Performances

[Rozay]

You only have to rewind 2 years to remind yourself of what people were saying about Cleverley(then look at him now) for you to remember to stop making declarations already. This place can be so weird(stupid) sometimes.

To be fair, I doubt a 15 year old Cleverley was being chased by all of Europe's elite. Pereira was always on a different trajectory.

I can see him being involved from now on. He played very well on Tuesday, and LVG has spoken many times about age does not matter in his 'philosophy'.

To be honest, we used to think the same way. United fans (not you) often tend to be a bit hypocritical, at least in recent years with regards to youth. Players now are always 'not ready' to play, and the approach seems to be more cautious than before, although we love to brag that we basically invented giving youth a chance.

I am all for caution, but if the players in the first-team are crap, and that is exactly what most of them are in midfield - then the kids should play. Take away Mike Oliver and 75,000, put Fletcher, Cleverley, Pereira and a football in a park and I'm pretty confident who will come out looking the best footballer. Now he just needs a bit of trusting here and there.

 

[bosnian_red]

Just watched an 8 and a half minute compilation of his game, which is impressive given he was on the pitch for just 45 minutes. Looked really good looking back though. His passing seems more composed then most of our midfielders already (says more about our mids though, but he looks a class passer). Definitely needs to bulk up though, but I have high hopes for him. Has that touch of class to his game. Gave the ball away 3 or 4 times but that's not bad at all.

Let's hope he works out.

 

[In Rainbows]

Agree with Pereira and Wilson, but don't agree with Powell. He looked quite poor vs Mk Dons, got pushed off the ball so easily and his passing was really poor. Pretty much all he has is a nice shot, but other then that, he doesn't have much to his game.

It's too early to say either way. I have long said that he's an attacking player and not a midfielder despite United's intent to convert him into one, but he needs more time in the middle of the park before any of us write him off. He has little experience playing in a midfield 2. At Crewe he was an attacking midfielder (from what I remember), and on loan he played as the striker, or as an attacking midfielder. The only time spent in midfield was the few games he played for United's first team, and a couple of games for reserves. He didn't play the whole season there because the reserves had a shortage of strikers and he started to play up top until he picked up a season ending injury.

I think Pereira will end up as part of a midfield 2 as well despite spending most of his time as a #10 for the youth team. I don't feel he's creative or aggressive enough in his passing to play that position like Januzaj did. He has the tools to play in midfield though.

 

[FromTheBench]

It's too early to say either way. I have long said that he's an attacking player and not a midfielder despite United's intent to convert him into one, but he needs more time in the middle of the park before any of us write him off. He has little experience playing in a midfield 2. At Crewe he was an attacking midfielder (from what I remember), and on loan he played as the striker, or as an attacking midfielder. The only time spent in midfield was the few games he played for United's first team, and a couple of games for reserves. He didn't play the whole season there because the reserves had a shortage of strikers and he started to play up top until he picked up a season ending injury.

His best position is basically as the head of a 3 man midfield with 2 wide creative players besides him and a passer in behind. Don't think he has the positional discipline or the passing range to play CM in our kind of setup right now. Plus bit like Barkley playing him at CM limits his qualities somewhat. He will get better there if he plays more and improves positionally and becomes less casual as a CM but really i think right now even a Wing forward sort of role in a 3 suits him better.

There's something about him that screams talent though to me. He might be having a poor game and then he will burst into it and produce something out of nothing or do something Extraordinary a bit like Rooney you could say. Been terribly unlucky with injuries at the wrong times and long ones at that last 2 and some years he has been here and SAF retiring didn't help either given how highly he rated him. PL loan where he is used not as a striker would be ideal if we don't wanna use him that much now.

I think Pereira will end up as part of a midfield 2 as well despite spending most of his time as a #10 for the youth team. I don't feel he's creative or aggressive enough in his passing to play that position like Januzaj did. He has the tools to play in midfield though.

I agree with you. Actually infact the passing range he showed for the senior team was better than what he usually shows for the U21s oddly. I think once he gets stronger and improves his stamina along with his discipline he has more tools to be a number #8 than a number #10 though he can probably do both jobs.

His skills set is pretty complete though, just needs it to click all together and improve physically and gain consistency. Will be interesting if he has leapfrogged Pearson/Rothwell already now and how we handle him from now. Also be interesting how he does with the U21s now after his first team debut. Has started this season in good form already. Can he go up a further notch and will Joyce start rating him more ?

 

[Gannicus]

The one thing I'm seeing in these younger players is that they seem to be physically a little underdeveloped for their age. Maybe it's the TV playing camera tricks, but they looked someone slight to me.

Even though we got thrashed at the hands of MK fukking Dons, I thought our young players actually looked pretty decent. It was the senior players, most notably Evans and Hernandez, who really let us down.

 

[Freak]

Anyone thinks he'll get promoted to the first team soon? Always has been impressive whenever I've seen him. Here's hoping that after we clear our deadwood, our midfield options would be something like: Herrera, Strootman, Carrick, Blind, Pereira, Fletcher

 

[legball]

Agree with Pereira and Wilson, but don't agree with Powell. He looked quite poor vs Mk Dons, got pushed off the ball so easily and his passing was really poor. Pretty much all he has is a nice shot, but other then that, he doesn't have much to his game.

This is my exact feeling about Powell, I keep hearing how he's a world class talent and all that, but, I just haven't seen it each time he's played.

 

[khoazany]

He was training with the first team again today according to the training session clip.

 

[Cassidy]

This is my exact feeling about Powell, I keep hearing how he's a world class talent and all that, but, I just haven't seen it each time he's played.

Agreed

 

[Ekeke]

I think Powell is "world class" with his shot technique, but pretty much everything else is right in line with our other young players or worse.

Sir Alex and Gradi both said he'd be a midfielder, but he simply hasn't played there and hasnt improved in the many areas he'd have to improve on to play as a central midfielder for us.

He has played as a forward and as a forward I dont see him making it here unless he has a huge burst of development this season

 

[Redo91]

He was training with the first team again today according to the training session clip.

Great. I hope he is promoted now on a permanent basis.

 

[The Red Thinker]

Great. I hope he is promoted now on a permanent basis.

LVG talked a lot about youngsters taking their chances. Think him and Wilson did against Dons.

 

[Redo91]

LVG talked a lot about youngsters taking their chances. Think him and Wilson did against Dons.

Ya I thought he did great against the MK Dons but then again I've always been a fan. I really hope LVG uses him deeper than he plays with the under 21's. It will be easier for him to get in the team plus I think he will ultimately end up playing as a orthodox CM as his skill set suits that role.

 

[El-Manos]

Might be on the bench Sunday, here's hoping

 

[Rykker_4united]

I think he'll be a decent player but i wouldn't expect much from him this season tbh

 

[RDCR07]

I think he'll be a decent player but i wouldn't expect much from him this season tbh

I don't think its fair to expect anything from him this season. He will below 10 games as it is unless he proves himself more on the pitch. This year is his bedding in year with the first team if he plays. He needs to get up to the pace with the big boys and take it step by step.

 

[Dante]

I think he'll be our 4th choice midfielder this season. With all the talk of LvG wanting to make space for youth, I think this kid could be in line for some game time.

 

[Kag]

If we went for a 3 man midfield there wouldn't actually be that much competition in the the roles we expect Herrera and Di Maria to play. Fellaini, Anderson? I'd fancy his chances.

 

[khoazany]

If we went for a 3 man midfield there wouldn't actually be that much competition in the the roles expect we Herrera and Di Maria to play. Fellaini, Anderson? I'd fancy his chances.

Fletcher and Blind as well.

 

[Kag]

Fletcher and Blind as well.

I imagine Blind will be competing with Carrick for the role infront of the defenders. The #6, if you like. Fletcher can do both, but I think he'll be seeing more of the bench. This is all conjecture anyway, if we stick with the 352 then chances reduce greatly.

 

[Dante]

Fellaini and Anderson are personae non gratae. Fletcher will be the only obstacle to Pereira being a regular on the bench, and the DF's form has taken a huge dip recently.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Honestly think Perreira is the type of player, that if he was at a German or Belgium club playing regularly at his age, we would all be going mental asking to sign him.

He has matured lot's physically and I think he is ready now for more football. He move the ball around beautifully, and did well against MK Dons considering they were very physical. In the Premier League he will get more protection. His work rate is there for all to see, so I hope LVG gives him a chance with Wilson soon.

I personally think if Di Maria get's moved to the wing, he could bring us energy and creativity to midfield.

 

[LonelyFire]

Pereira is not as good as being made out on here - there are others in the reserves/u18s that have done more to be deserving of a chance than him. Harrop, Pearson, and Rothwell have all excelled and I would say have shown more.

That said, Pereira has got something. I just do not believe he's as good as the other 3 i've mentioned.

 

[FromTheBench]

Pereira is not as good as being made out on here - there are others in the reserves/u18s that have done more to be deserving of a chance than him. Harrop, Pearson, and Rothwell have all excelled and I would say have shown more.

That said, Pereira has got something. I just do not believe he's as good as the other 3 i've mentioned.

Dunno, if Harrop has done more. Pearson, Rothwell were thought to be ahead though and now supposedly been leapfrogged.

 

[Kag]

Harrop has seldom had a kick. Pearson and Rothwell have both impressed but you can't help but get the impression that Pereira has that bit more to give at first team level.

 

[Dante]

I actually don't rate Pereira particularly highly, but the fact that LvG played him in the League Cup suggests that he's first in line amongst the reserve midfielders. Given our lack of numbers in that area of the pitch, I think Pereira could definitely add something to the first team squad.

For my money, he still does too much on the ball when the simple option is the right one. I think that's down to the fact that he's so much more gifted than most u21's that he sometimes has a false sense of security regarding how much time he can spend with the ball at his feet. He also goes missing a fair bit during matches. Fortunately, both of those weaknesses can be addressed by (judiciously) throwing him in at the deep end. That's what I see happening, at any rate.

 

[Fazer]

How old is he now?

 

[Dante]

Only 18. He has plenty of time.

 

[In Rainbows]

It's true that last season he wasn't that great compared to numerous players. Still, that doesn't mean that others are the better prospect for first team football. I don't think he's a #10 and thought he should have played in midfield alongside Pearson since the start of last season. I remember one uefa youth league match he played much better in midfield compared to the #10, but rarely played in that position the rest of the season for both the u18s and u21s.

Maybe LVG sees qualities that puts him above Pearson and Rothwell.

 

[SambaBoy]

I think with the likes of Pearson, Rothwell and Harrop they look better in the reserves and seem the better players but really that's not the case.

Pereira is extremely talented albeit inconsistent at the moment due to his age. It's the same as how everyone used to rave about Tunnicliffe, he looked quality for reserves and under 21's for a period of time and there was talk of him being the next Roy Keane but the top talent was never really there. Pereira has that something about him where he can change a game at any level with a pass or run.

 

[SteveW]

He's got great potential. Definitely the best midfield talent in the U21s. He's not ready for pl football though. Maybe a few mins against the weaker teams buts that's about it for this season IMO. He's still very young.

 

[khoazany]

I think with the likes of Pearson, Rothwell and Harrop they look better in the reserves and seem the better players but really that's not the case.

Pereira is extremely talented albeit inconsistent at the moment due to his age. It's the same as how everyone used to rave about Tunnicliffe, he looked quality for reserves and under 21's for a period of time and there was talk of him being the next Roy Keane but the top talent was never really there. Pereira has that something about him where he can change a game at any level with a pass or run.

Tunnicliffe was shit in the U21s.It's the U18s that he starred.

Pearson and Rothwell surely deserve a chance as well but fair enough if LVG thinks Pereira should be promoted first.

 

[Elliott]

I actually don't rate Pereira particularly highly, but the fact that LvG played him in the League Cup suggests that he's first in line amongst the reserve midfielders. Given our lack of numbers in that area of the pitch, I think Pereira could definitely add something to the first team squad.

For my money, he still does too much on the ball when the simple option is the right one. I think that's down to the fact that he's so much more gifted than most u21's that he sometimes has a false sense of security regarding how much time he can spend with the ball at his feet. He also goes missing a fair bit during matches. Fortunately, both of those weaknesses can be addressed by (judiciously) throwing him in at the deep end. That's what I see happening, at any rate.

So far this season there's been a noticeable reduction of the above boldfaced problems. His maturation seems to be bang on schedule. I'd love to see him get a few games for the first team. Physically he may not be quite there yet but he's something as unique as a not grotesquely injury-plagued United prodigy, so I'm sure he could handle it.

 

[m1y2]

well he is such a class young player. He might seem quite inconsistent but the fact that hes been played all over the pitch wouldn't help him, particularly out wide, where he simply cant play.. he is no pace and power run down the wings. He is a brilliant passer, better than majority of our senior players, his passing range is awesome and he can play final pass. He can dribble when needed and can get past players. Right now he is something between Oscar and Fabregas. If it was on me I would choose him any day over Pearson to give him start in first team as deep laying playmaker. He may need to work on his defensive skills but looks hardworking kids not afraid to stuck in. Id go as far as saying that he is the most talented boy in our reserves even than Wilson but needs to have right guidance and to be trusted.. I hope that he will be given another chances to "take" and will fill those "vacant" places about what vG was speaking... rate him very highly

 

[Raees]

It's true that last season he wasn't that great compared to numerous players. Still, that doesn't mean that others are the better prospect for first team football. I don't think he's a #10 and thought he should have played in midfield alongside Pearson since the start of last season. I remember one uefa youth league match he played much better in midfield compared to the #10, but rarely played in that position the rest of the season for both the u18s and u21s.

Maybe LVG sees qualities that puts him above Pearson and Rothwell.

Haven't seen enough of Rothwell to make a judgement but Pearson for me I have had doubts due to his lack of athleticism - doesn't seem to have those legs to eat up ground, seems like he has to work hard to dominate games at that level - he does have great stamina and tenaciousness to make up for it, but then again he reminds me of Daley Blind - and is arguably a better mover than that..

For me when I see Pereira, I see all the makings of a modern top midfielder.. I've seen vids posted of Ruben Neves and Lucas Silva, he is a player very much in that mould and always looked the player with the most potential at that age group whenever I do watch a game. There is a difference between players who perform very competently at that level but might never progress beyond it and those who may make alot of mistakes but they have that growth in them whether it is down to exceptional technique or superior athleticism that marks them out as top player potential. He also looks like he would be unfazed playing at a higher level but again these are assumptions.

Pearson in terms of footballing brain is a first team player, reads the game very well but could he handle the pace of a premiership game?

 

[jesperjaap]

I actually don't rate Pereira particularly highly, but the fact that LvG played him in the League Cup suggests that he's first in line amongst the reserve midfielders. Given our lack of numbers in that area of the pitch, I think Pereira could definitely add something to the first team squad.

For my money, he still does too much on the ball when the simple option is the right one. I think that's down to the fact that he's so much more gifted than most u21's that he sometimes has a false sense of security regarding how much time he can spend with the ball at his feet. He also goes missing a fair bit during matches. Fortunately, both of those weaknesses can be addressed by (judiciously) throwing him in at the deep end. That's what I see happening, at any rate.

I haven't seen that much of him, but you say you don't rate him that highly, yet say he is more gifted and the problems you mention are surely regarding his maturity as a player rather than his ability, you pretty much allude to this yourself? I remember him being really hyped when signed, when I have seen him he has looked promising though again over hyped such as against MK Dons where he did pretty well for a while. He fits the mould, just like Wilson of the types of young youth players we need coming through but from what little I have seen they certainly seem a fair while away from regular starts....the whole problem with youth players.

 

[Devil may care]

The debate here reminds me of Blackett, most argued that he was below Keane and Thorpe but LvG has given him PL starts and he has done well, you just never know.

 

[Dante]

I haven't seen that much of him, but you say you don't rate him that highly, yet say he is more gifted and the problems you mention are surely regarding his maturity as a player rather than his ability, you pretty much allude to this yourself? I remember him being really hyped when signed, when I have seen him he has looked promising though again over hyped such as against MK Dons where he did pretty well for a while. He fits the mould, just like Wilson of the types of young youth players we need coming through but from what little I have seen they certainly seem a fair while away from regular starts....the whole problem with youth players.

In terms of stepping up to the first team, I don't rate him highly at the moment. The fact he has raw talent is cause for optimism, but not enough for me to think he's a better option than someone like Pearson, for example. Having said that, I think that LvG disagrees with me and I can rationalise as to why. There's certainly a better player in there than I've seen so far. I'll bow to Elliott's greater knowledge on how he's developed this season. Not been to any games yet.

 

[FromTheBench]

The debate here reminds me of Blackett, most argued that he was below Keane and Thorpe but LvG has given him PL starts and he has done well, you just never know.

Blackett been more surprising than Pereira will be if he does indeed break through more.

Pereira might have been behind Pearson/Rothwell but he's always been talented enough to have a great big leap in 1 year of developmental time at that age just like Januzaj did in like 6 months.

 

[NoWinNoFee]

Thought he was excellent against MK Don's, i see him as a box to box midfielder, possibly even as a deep lying midfielder like Scholes (later years)/Alonso. Has a good range of passing and looked comfortable when he was a deeper position against MK Dons.

I've not seen enough of him in the academy lately to make further judgement.