Joel Pereira plays first match in seven months after injury two games after Manchester United release

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Being released by Manchester United is a tough, challenging experience for any young player. But having just turned 25 when his contract ran down last summer, Joel Pereira could no longer be considered ‘young’. After being unable to crack the first team, time was up.

Within a day of becoming a free agent, Pereira signed with Dutch side RKC Waalwijk, wasting little time. The Eredivisie side made clear they wanted him, a welcome development for the goalkeeper after loan woes at Hearts and Huddersfield.

Pereira’s time at the Eredivisie side began well, selected to start the first two games, before injury struck.

Since the match against Heerenveen back in August, Pereira has been on the sidelines, before making a welcome comeback in a friendly match this week.

Pereira started as Waalwijk played out a 3-3 draw at Feyenoord, getting a much needed 90 minutes under his belt on the way to making his comeback.

The former Portugal under-21 international sent a message out on his Instagram page hailing the ‘amazing feeling’ to be back in action.

Making his way back

Pereira was once very highly regarded and United hoped he might even become a challenge for David de Gea.

Instead he did not progress as hoped, with Dean Henderson overtaking him, and various loans in Portugal, Belgium and Scotland left him in a weak position.

Last season he had so few offers he had to take a loan as Huddersfield’s back-up, playing only twice.

The injury he suffered has limited his game time further, and while it was good he made his comeback in a friendly match, he will want to do it in a competitive game too and reclaim his spot.

Waalwijk have found their own alternative solution in the meantime, and Pereira may have to be patient.

But as a first step in his recovery, getting back out there onto the pitch is a hugely positive step.