Pereira Thanks Mata

Andreas Pereira revealed how he jumped to the front of the free-kick queue to score his first competitive goal for Manchester United in the 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.

The Brazil Under-23 international had seen Juan Mata take an earlier set-piece during the Capital One Cup tie but was thankful for the opportunity to illustrate his dead-ball prowess with an hour gone at Old Trafford.

"I asked Juan for the ball and he gave it to me," said the 19-year-old in an exclusive post-match interview with MUTV. "We’ve been practising together and he trusted me. It’s very special for me to score my first goal, a free-kick at the Stretford End as well. It’s just like a dream come true. I’m very happy for my family, for impressing my manager and doing well for my club."

Last season's Reserves Player of the Year said he was ‘relieved’ to make his first full start and explained how playing Under-21 fixtures at Old Trafford aided his preparations.

"I think it helped," he agreed. "You get a bit more used to the pitch and the stadium but it’s different with the fans inside. Hopefully I can do well and keep progressing."

Pereira also stressed he went into the Ipswich tie resolved to avoid another League Cup upset, after featuring in last season’s second round defeat to Milton Keynes Dons. "So last year was not so good, we went out and we didn’t want that to happen this year again. We prepared well."

Pereira took 55 per cent of the vote when being named Man of the Match by the club's fans on Twitter.