Six hot topics from our interview with Andreas

Andreas Pereira has been a shining light for Manchester United in recent weeks, repaying the faith shown in him by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The midfielder could play a part for the Reds in Saturday's Premier League clash against West Ham United at Old Trafford (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Andreas has given a fascinating wide-ranging interview to United Review, the club's official matchday programme, in which he discusses his recent progress, Solskjaer, his Goal of the Month winner, his position, our next opponents and more.

We've highlighted just six key points covered in the interview for you...

1: HE IS MENTALLY STRONGER
After two productive loan spells in Spain, Andreas returned to United last summer and has played more games this season than in any other campaign for the Reds. His stunning strike against Southampton, which was voted our Goal of the Month for March, was an obvious highlight but he’s been delighted with the general progress he’s made of late. “I think mentally I’m stronger,” he explains in Saturday's United Review. “I played a few games at the beginning of the season and then I didn’t play a lot, so I had to stay focused, work hard and be ready for the chance.”

2: A BIG LESSON LEARNED
Pereira suffered a setback when conceding possession in the build-up to a Burnley goal in January’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford but has recovered well. He has made 18 appearances in all competitions so far this term and feels being patient has been the biggest thing he’s learned this season. “Everything will come at the right time if you have patience and work hard,” Andreas says.

3: FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Andreas may be in direct competition with Scott McTominay for a midfield berth in Solskjaer’s line-up, but he was as pleased as the rest of us when his fellow Academy graduate opened his goal account at Wolves recently. “I’m very happy for him because he’s like me, coming through the Academy as a young player,” our no.15 says. “I think there’s good competition and everyone has their own abilities – we’re not all the same type of players.”

4: A CHANGE IN POSITION
The Belgian-born Brazilian has operated in a number of positions in midfield this season, with both a defensive and attacking emphasis. Ole has suggested he sees the 23-year-old playing in a more advanced role, as perhaps a no.8 or no.10 – something he’s done before. “I’ve always played in a no.8 or no.10 position and I’m very happy that the manager could see it in me,” he tells United Review. “I’m just looking forward to playing that role.”

5: A FAMILIAR FACE IN THE HAMMERS TEAM
Pereira will come up against someone he knows well on Saturday in fellow Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson, who has impressed in his debut season at West Ham. “He’s a very clever player with a good shot,” explains Andreas of his international team-mate. “He’s powerful and he can be dangerous from outside the box, but we have very good defenders who are well aware of this threat.”

6: OUR REUNION WITH CHICHARITO
The Hammers have a menacing striker we know very well in Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, who will make his second return to Old Trafford since leaving United in 2015. Andreas didn’t play with him but is well aware of his qualities. “He’s a very good striker and in the box you cannot let him get the ball because he can score with any part of his body!”