Andreas Pereira has delivered a brutally honest assessment of his Manchester United career, admitting he felt immense frustration at never receiving a sustained opportunity to prove himself at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian midfielder, now a key figure at Fulham, spoke candidly about his nine-year stint with the Red Devils, which was punctuated by loan spells away from the club before his permanent departure in 2022.
'I never really got the chance,' Pereira revealed in an interview with The Athletic. 'I had a few games but never five, six or seven in a row to show my worth. That was frustrating.'
His comments highlight a perceived lack of faith from a succession of United managers, despite the player's willingness to fight for his place at the club he joined as a teenager.
From United Prospect to Fulham Mainstay
Pereira's career has undergone a dramatic transformation since his £10 million move to Craven Cottage. Under the guidance of manager Marco Silva, he has established himself as a creative fulcrum in Fulham's midfield, making over 70 appearances and becoming a fan favourite.
This newfound stability and importance stand in stark contrast to his experience in Manchester, where he often found himself on the periphery despite the club's well-documented struggles in midfield.
The Ten Hag Decision
The 28-year-old was surprisingly handed a fresh start upon Erik ten Hag's arrival in the summer of 2022. He was included in the Dutchman's pre-season tour squad and even started the first Premier League game of the season against Brighton.
However, a disastrous 45-minute performance saw him hooked at half-time in a 2-1 defeat. This proved to be the final straw, sealing his fate and prompting his move to West London just days later.
'It was a very difficult moment,' Pereira admitted, reflecting on that fateful half against Brighton. 'But it led me to Fulham, and I'm very happy now.'
His story serves as a potent reminder of how a change of scenery and a manager's belief can unlock a player's potential, raising questions about the talent that has slipped through United's fingers in recent years.
