Andreas Pereira was given another start for Manchester United in a central role against Norwich.
It came after his impressive performance at home to Liverpool, following an unsuccessful stint of games playing out of position on the right hand side of midfield.
Pereira did as much as he could to make his start a success. He was a key cog in an impressive away win. The 3-1 victory was United’s first league victory on the road this season.
Playing in the number 10 role, Pereira linked the play between midfield and attack very well.
He was also a threat from set pieces, creating three goalscoring chances, more than any United player.
That’s six key passes in his last two United starts. For a team which has struggled to create chances this season, it is a valuable contribution.
Taking his chance
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told United’s website he though Pereira was ‘excellent’, benefitting from the space created by Martial and Rashford.
At the moment Pereira looks to be a better option in the position than either Jesse Lingard or Juan Mata. He certainly deserves a closer look to see what he can do.
When Paul Pogba eventually returns from injury, its possible the Frenchman will take his role, with Fred and Scott McTominay both performing well in the last two league games since the international break. But this won’t be any time soon.
Pereira’s two shots were off target, but at least he was not afraid to have a go. He needs to add goals to his game if he is to build a really convincing case for a regular start.
He may get a rest in midweek against Chelsea, but we would expect to see Pereira start next weekend away at Bournemouth.
Reaction
Here is a look at how United fans reacted to Pereira’s performance…
- Manchester United may have played a masterstroke over Chris Smalling
- Martial and Rashford are teammates, not rivals
- Manchester United are on a collision course with Inter Milan
- Looking at the impact at United of the substitute rule changing again
- Alexis Sanchez’s six best moments at Manchester United