Andreas Pereira was terrible in Manchester United’s draw with Sheffield United a week ago.
It was a genuine shock to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pick him against Aston Villa from the start, despite Scott McTominay’s absence through injury.
Midfield is one of Villa’s strengths and United’s under-manned midfield was badly exposed in today’s 2-2 draw. Pereira had another tough afternoon.
He stood off for Villa’s opening goal and it appeared clear straight away that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had dropped a clanger with his team selection.
His first half continued badly, until he whipped in an inch perfect cross for Marcus Rashford to score an equaliser.
It was just as well, as fans were running out of patience with the midfielder. But the positivity this created didn’t last.
A game changing cross
Pereira’s cross helped United go level, and we were fortunate to be.
It was a moment of genuine quality and showed why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faith in him.
The problem is these moments are few and far between. His last assist was back on the opening day of the season.
For Pereira, one good cross was not enough to wipe out the poor display he had been putting in.
He struggles with the basics like keeping the ball and not giving away fouls.
He gave away three free-kicks and won just one tackle. He also failed to make an interception.
Having that type of player in central midfield against Premier League level opposition is just asking for trouble.
Pereira had four crosses in total, and the one for the first goal was the only one which found a teammate.
Not balanced out
Supporters felt that Pereira’s excellent good cross did not outweigh an otherwise dire display…
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