In-form star earns first call-up since 2018 after £10m Manchester United exit

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Andreas Pereira has been a man revived since leaving Manchester United for Premier League rivals Fulham and his form could be rewarded with a first Brazil appearance since 2018. 

The last and only time the midfielder represented his country – a 5-0 hammering of El Salvador six years ago – the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Arthur Melo and his now-Fulham team-mate Willian were key figures in the Selecao set-up.

It is a different Brazil these days, new head coach Dorival Junior calling up youngsters Endrick, Yan Couto, Andre Trindade and the Manchester City-bound Savio ahead of March’s friendlies with England and Spain. 

Andreas Pereira, meanwhile, is back in the international fold, the former Manchester United man rewarded for what has been an impressive 18 months or so at Craven Cottage. 

Andreas Pereira returns to beat Manchester United

Pereira, who left Old Trafford to the tune of £10 million during the summer of 2022, has seven assists in all competitions for Fulham this term, with a masterful display in December’s 5-0 hammering of Nottingham Forest one of the finest individual performances of the Premier League campaign. 

The former Lazio and Valencia loanee also marked his return to Old Trafford with a famous win last weekend, Fulham triumphing 2-1 away from home as Erik ten Hag’s side suffered their first defeat of the new year. 

Ten Hag a big fan of Fulham ace

“Andreas Pereira is a really good player,” Ten Hag said in February, having coached the midfielder during their time together in the PSV Eindhoven youth system. 

“I am really happy for him and that he is progressing that well. I think (leaving Man United) was the right step for him as I think he has to play on a regular basis. He didn’t do it over several years at Manchester United. Then, there comes a point where you have to switch.

“Maybe (it is best) to take a step back in order to progress in the future. And I think he is doing a good job, that is quite obvious. As is Fulham. They are playing in a good way.”