TEN minutes into the second half of Manchester United’s game against Newcastle United, I typed the word ‘Pereira’ into Twitter from a half-empty press box at Old Trafford. There were empty seats because Manchester United are no longer the main story and world champions Liverpool were about to play second-place Leicester City. Tickets in the ground were not that hard to get hold of either – unless they were in the away end where the travelling Geordies were in fine voice. Any Manchester United manager should worry when they start seeing empty seats inside the ground, but we’re not at that stage yet with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Pereira was playing in a team leading 4-1. It was a decent encounter for a pretty meaningless game unless we’re going to start adding significance to the merits of pushing for a top-four place and getting into a competition United have little chance of winning right now.
Pereira had assisted a goal and took a free-kick which tested Martin Dubravka. He was better than Jesse Lingard who’d played in the same position at Watford, but the reaction on the most toxic of the social media platforms was just that – and the algorithms encourage it.
Everytime Pereira gets the ball
Man united fan: pic.twitter.com/IkvLhsv2vJ
— Reagan Tinka (@EasyMoneySnipa6) December 26, 2019
I didn’t think the Brazilian was having a bad game. He was having shots, passing accurately, chasing around and winning the ball. It didn’t matter – he’s become the latest scapegoat for some fans. I looked on a couple of United forums and it was much the same. It’s not just online. Outside the ground before the game, I opined to a fan that “Pereira needed a game.” By that I meant a good game against a United from Newcastle and not Colchester.
“A game!” he replied. “He should be in the reserves!” But he did need a decent game and he had one.
But why the invective, apart from him not being as talented as those who’ve played in his position for one of the biggest clubs in the world?
Since Marouanne Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku have left the position of scapegoat has been up for grabs, but did you see Lukaku’s comments about being worn down by his time at United? He didn’t help himself at times, but would you have checked out social media if you were Lukaku last season? And look at him this season – and Chris Smalling too – they’re thriving after a change of scene, with the confidence of the fans behind them.
United fans are pretty positive at games though critics do have a point if they think Pereira doesn’t look good enough to be starting every game for United, but he’s still in his first proper season as a first-teamer and he’s 23. Cut him a little slack. Fans have been spoiled by a succession of world-class midfielders and the player who turns 24 on New Year’s Day when United go to Arsenal looks well short of that level, but he’s part of an inexperienced team rather than being dropped in with world-class players around him.
The intelligence and awareness of Andreas Pereira in Man United’s high press yesterday is what allowed them to regain the ball in high areas by forcing mistakes. @TheCoachingZone pic.twitter.com/nuVBVsswV5
— Macauley (@Macauleyyy_) December 27, 2019
That said, one source on the football side at the club told me: “he’s a decent lad and a good squad player, but if there was more talent he wouldn’t be starting every game, especially against the top teams.”
It is slightly ironic that, like his team, some of Pereira’s best games have been against better sides – Liverpool at home last season comes to mind – but what would you do if you were him? Demand a move? Request that you are not picked because online critics say you shouldn’t be in the team? Or keep putting a shift in and trying your best?
Pereira fits Solskjaer’s profile of a player: young, homegrown, talented and prepared to follow instruction. He’s not a prick either but a decent person too. Did you hear about Luke Shaw buying a hamper for 50 employees at Carrington for Christmas? It was in the national news. Well, Pereira did exactly the same but it wasn’t reported.
Pereira knows that he has to do more, he’s known it all season. He has to score more since one goal in 22 games isn’t close to being good enough for an attacking midfielder at United. The two assists he’s made this season aren’t either, but the lad needs support and not hammering. He does have something to give for United and he’s a better player with fans backing him.
He can only play to his circumstances. Solskjaer would like more options and would like more pressure on his players. He’d like to drop them for a month if they don’t perform just as he was under absolute pressure to perform as one of four top-class strikers at the club, but he doesn’t have that squad at his disposal. He wants it and feels he is building it. Having Paul Pogba back in midfield should help, though Scott McTominay’s absence and the sheer number of games will likely mean Pereira continues to play and get chances not all fans think he deserves.
Wow! The touch by Andreas Pereira to set-up Martial for United’s equaliser against Newcaste is stuff of dreams!
The type of content I signed up for as a football fan. Unfortunately, it is Man United .
— Balarabe #COYG! (@Baltexxx) December 26, 2019
United are at Burnley on Saturday, the third game in a typically up and down week. United are expecting an aggressive Burnley team, but Pereira can hold his own. Burnley was a turning point for Pereira earlier this year. He gave the ball away and it led to a Clarets goal, which contributed to United dropping points for the first time under Solskjaer – after nine matches. Such a run seems like a flight of fancy right now since Manchester United have been unable to win more than two consecutive league games all season. Two. Two!
Pereira took that mistake badly and it was a month before he was back performing to a high standard against Liverpool. In the next home match he scored United’s best goal of the season at home to Southampton. He needs more of that and he needs it sooner rather than later, a reward for the efforts and hard work he’s putting in.
