Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has criticised the decision of academy graduate Andreas Pereira to join Valencia on loan.
The Brazilian completed a Deadline Day move to the Mestalla after a successful loan spell at relegated Girona last season.
However the decision to return to La Liga rather than stay and fight for his place Old Trafford has drawn criticism from Mourinho.
“Andreas Pereira was a personal decision, a decision I don’t agree with, a decision I don’t think honestly is the best decision for him, a decision that disappoints me a little bit because I think he has the potential to be fighting for a position, fighting to for opportunities and to be a Manchester United player.
“His decision can be considered as a young player who wants to play every weekend but can also be considered a decision as a player that is not ready to fight for something difficult and it’s difficult to play in Manchester United’s midfield.
“You have to be ready to fight for the position and I am a bit disappointed he left. But, OK, it was his decision. I open the door for his decision.
“He has a long-term contract. We have the option to bring him back in January, so we have that situation under control. It is not a drama but it is a decision which disappoints me a little bit.”
Mourinho has high hopes for Pereira and played in all of United’s preseason campaign, but failed to make the match day squad in any of three opening Premier League games.
However he was expected to be involved this month as Man Utd face seven games on 22 days, including in the Premier League, Champions League, and League Cup.