Pereira stakes claim with top attack show

IT was a weekend of mixed emotions for United as they became the first side to take points off Liverpool this Premier League season with an improved performance at Old Trafford.

Although settling for a draw with their fiercest rivals will never be satisfactory enough for Reds supporters, there was certainly reason to feel a little bit optimistic come the full-time.

Not only did they manage to stifle Jurgen Klopp’s league leaders, but there were also a number of encouraging displays from players with a point to prove. Fred looked energetic in midfield and Marcos Rojo was lively at the back, however, it was the performance of Andreas Pereira which will have given fans the most food for thought.

There is no denying the Brazilian was lucky to start for United on Sunday. Even amid the ongoing injury crisis, there was fair argument to suggest Juan Mata should have started ahead of him.

The Reds failed to adequately replenish an under-stocked midfield, despite being well aware of the issue throughout the summer.

However, the opportunity fell to

Pereira and he put in one of his best performances in a United shirt.

The concern is, there were still plenty of obvious areas for improvements to be made.

While no player made more key passes than Pereira at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, it is also true his passing accuracy was the third lowest of any outfield player on the pitch.

And while the 23-year-old recovered possession four times more than anyone else, his wastefulness in possession made

United’s task harder than it necessarily needed to be. Depending on your own outlook, it can be altered to fit whichever frame of mind you are following.

On the one hand it was an encouraging display which showcased why Pereira should start in an attacking role more often, while on the other the performance of Pereira at his best still didn’t look good enough for the top end of the Premier League.

But, so long as United continue to trail so far from the title race, it makes sense to give him every chance he can get.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown his faith in the midfielder this season and he could soon reap the rewards for playing him in the attacking capacity which he himself cited last season.

“He’s gone through the academy, we know what he’s capable of. He’s got loads of energy, drive, we maybe found a better position for him than as a number six, more of an eight or 10,” Solskjaer said of Pereira last season.

“He’s got high energy quality in his passing, crossing and shooting.”

While making the match day squad was Pereira’s challenge only weeks ago, now he must build upon his growing momentum and look to make the No.10 role his own.

United will be eager to reinforce their midfield in the January transfer window and now Pereira must make sure it isn’t at the expense of him.