Manchester United caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has advised Andreas Pereira to stay at the club and to fight for his future at Old Trafford. The midfielder as made just 12 appearances for the Red Devils this term and is out of contract at the end of the season.
Two of those appearances have come as starts under Solskjaer but Pereira was hooked after just 62 minutes against Burnley when he was at fault for the Clarets’ opener at the Theatre of Dreams in January. Pereira, 23, has enjoyed successful loan spells at Valencia and Granada in recent seasons and had to be convinced by Jose Mourinho last summer to return to the club. United are keen for Pereira to extend his stay at the club but the midfielder wants assurances over his future before committing to a new deal.
Solskjaer blocked Pereira from leaving in the January transfer window and new understands the Norwegian has held talks with the Brazilian over his situation. The Norwegian made it clear to Pereira that he admires him and that he will not be short on opportunities between now and the end of the season. Incidentally, injuries to Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata since the pair’s conversation has provided Solskjaer with the perfect opportunity to give Pereira game time.
It was Pereira that Solskjaer turned to when Herrera was forced off during the 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Sunday and the Brazilian is likely to start against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday. United could be without ten first-team players for the trip to south London and Pereira will be keen to take his chance in a season short on opportunities.
Solskjaer admits it’s an opportunity for the club’s fringe players to stake their claim for a regular spot in the side. ‘There’ll be a chance for others,’ said Solskjaer. ‘I’ve been sat on the outside getting a chance [as a player] when this has happened, so we’d rather have to say players who came in. ‘Scott [McTominay] and Andy (Pereira), I thought they did fantastic [against Liverpool], so there you go, that’s the way it is. You’ve just got to be ready when you get it.’
