Man United outcast wants Flamengo stay

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By Martin Graham | 1st Jul 2022

Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has insisted on staying back at Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The 26-year-old is on a year loan at the Brazilian side.

Earlier this week, reports emerged in the press that a bid of 11 million pounds has been made by newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham to secure his services. But Pereira, who scored an exquisite goal in his side’s 1-0 away win at Deportes Tolima, has signified his intention of staying back at the Brazilian club.

Pereira, 26, left Manchester United in August 2021 and has featured in 53 games and scored eight times – after scoring a wonder goal in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday.

The Belgium-born Brazilian said: ‘I’m not the one who decides – it’s up to Man United. I would like to stay at Flamengo, but it’s not in my hands. I’ll see what’s best for me and the club.

‘I love Flamengo. We will soon speak and decide. My relationship between me and Flamengo has always been very good. This year was incredible for me. ‘If it doesn’t work out, I’ll always leave with my head held high. I love the club, I love Flamengo, I’m Flamengo. I will come back in the future.’

Pereira, who is an academy graduate of the English side, has made only 75 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions across his eight years at the club, scoring four goals. Although, he has only spent four seasons at Old Trafford, having been sent out on loans to Granada, Valencia, Lazio, and now Flamengo.

Pereira is loved at Flamengo

The talented midfielder has caught the eye of many with his exciting performances, which the fans and the manager asking him to stay beyond his loan spell.

Flamengo head coach Dorival Junior said in June: ‘I hope he stays. Players of this level, players with this potential, are few in Brazil. I have no doubt that this boy can still grow a lot, he can evolve a lot. How will it happen? I don’t know.

‘But it would be really nice if we could hold onto this kid because he has a lot of qualities. He is a player that draws attention in any way. He has growth potential, players of that level are scarce at the moment within this country.’

In addition, Manchester United scouts sent to watch his team-mate Joao Gomes also spoke about his performance, saying he was the best player on the pitch.

The one-cap international has one year left on his Red Devils contract and has not played since the 2019-2020 campaign for the English giants. However, United hopes Pereira will agree on personal terms with Fulham, as the promoted side’s bid of £11m represents the best deal financially for United.