How Spanish Stint Has Prepared Pereira

Manchester United youngster Andreas Pereira has insisted he can operate in a variety of positions following a season of personal progress at Granada.

Although his loan club were relegated from La Liga, the 21-year-old played 37 times and will have learned plenty of lessons and feels the minutes under his belt ensure he is ready to compete for a place at Old Trafford.

One of the main topics of discussion for United fans regarding Pereira is his best position as the midfielder has performed a variety of roles. During the early part of his stint in Spain, he was stationed on the flanks before being moved into a more central position.

"I played out wide in the beginning then, after that, I played more as a no.10 and, then in the last two or three months, I’ve played as a central midfielder," he told ManUtd.com recently.

"It went well and I think I have found another position. I think it’s good to be more of an all-round player and Granada have used me in every midfield position so I am happy the coach trusted me and I did my job. It’s important but, as always, I will go where the manager needs me, I will play in any position and feel I can fulfil many roles."

In the Reserves at United, there were signs of Pereira becoming a box-to-box midfielder and, as somebody always regarded as a highly technical player, he started to add his natural ability to energy and stamina by impressing during Warren Joyce's reign in charge.

"So the type of football I’m playing as a midfielder, because the team was not doing so well most of the time, is not like at United as we don’t have the ball," he said. "We have to defend and it takes a lot of energy. We are not playing at the top of the table so we have to defend a lot. It is difficult but I’m definitely changing and I feel myself getting stronger and more energetic from playing games each week.

"I think I did the best thing for me doing what I did. If I went on loan somewhere that I can play easily, sit back and just do my thing, of course, it’d be good but, at United, we always had the ball and I’ve had to do things I’m not used to since I came here. I have had to defend and we play on the counter-attack and can play long balls sometimes. I was not used to this with United so it has been difficult but it’s a good challenge for me and I’m handling it as well."

Tony Adams was at the club as a consultant at that time, before taking over as caretaker coach for the closing stages of the season. Pereira admitted he was surprised to discover the extent of the ex-England captain's career at Arsenal after being in regular contact with him.

"I spoke with him and saw him almost every day," said the Brazilian prospect. "I know it was a long time ago but he told me about his career and everything. At first, I admit I hadn’t followed his career so closely so I didn’t know he was Mr. Arsenal!

"Of course I have a lot of respect for what he did in his career. I know he’s a very good guy to speak with me and I am happy that he is here to guide me."

The burning question now is whether Pereira can force his way into Jose Mourinho's plans. He scored in the manager's first game at the club - a friendly at Wigan Athletic last pre-season, and his progress has been carefully monitored.

"I think I’m ready now," he added. "I have played over 2,000 minutes now in men’s football, in La Liga, and I did quite well. I feel I’m ready, more than ready, to play men’s football now. I am more mature as well, physically and mentally, and I am ready to come back and hopefully push to play next season for United."