SMART CAR’S PERFECT FIT FOR PEREIRA
MICHAEL CARRICK is helping to mould Andreas Pereira into his successor at Manchester United.
Midfielder Pereira is back at Old Trafford after a season on loan at Valencia and is hoping to impress boss Jose Mourinho during the club’s tour of the US.
And Carrick, who retired last season to join United’s coaching staff after a glittering 12-year career with the Reds, has taken on the role of mentoring Pereira. “The manager asked me what position I will play and I said I will play any position he would like,” said Pereira.
“Now I’m in this position as a No.6. I’ll try to do my best and of course everyone is helping me a lot, including the manager, by telling me what to do.
“Michael Carrick is also helping me in every training session and it’s very important. It’s not only them, but all of the other coaches as well. They’re helping me a lot and I’m learning new things every day.
“Michael was one of the best in the world and one of the best Manchester United ever had.
“He gives me tips, he tells me in training what to do and it’s very easy when he tells you.
“You pick it up straight away and it’s very easy to learn.”
Pereira has spent the last two seasons in Spain, first with Granada and then with Valencia. And the Brazilian youth international admitted he faces a crucial summer in terms of his career as Mourinho finalises his squad for next season.
“It was a very important year for me at Valencia and I learned a lot,” said Pereira. “I had a lot of experiences and I’m very happy to be back. I’m ready to play.
“This pre-season is very important for the team. I’m doing my best to get minutes and to show that I’m ready.”