Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has admitted that going against Jose Mourinho’s wishes and going out on loan last season made him nervous.
The 22-year-old was urged to stay at Manchester United last summer by Mourinho but decided to join La Liga side Valencia on loan for a year as he feared a lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.
However, Pereira was given a chance to impress at the base of Mourinho’s midfield on United’s pre-season tour of America, with the talented youngster grabbing his opportunity with both hands and forcing his way into the starting XI for his sides opening Premier League fixture against Leicester City.
It seems Pereira’s decision to defy Mourinho has now been justified, however, with his manager singling him out for special praise after the 2-1 victory over the Foxes and with Brazil coach Tite handing the 22-year-old his first senior call-up for the Brazil squad yesterday.
“I learned a lot of things being on my own, I lived on my own there, and it’s different than living over here,” Pereira told Sky Sports.
“I’m more professional now, I know what my body needs every day, I’m more mature now than I was two years ago. They’ve been really good for me, I think I’ve totally changed as a player and a human being after these two years.”
“It was very difficult for me to take that decision. Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world, and he tells you to stay, and if you go against it you’ve only got things to lose in your head really.
“I was nervous about that, but it came out well. We had a great year in Valencia, and I am a better player, and this season he has a better Andreas than he could have had last year.
“He hasn’t told me [that I have improved], but I think he will see this in games. I have a very good relationship with him, he is very good with me, very honest,”
