Andreas Pereira, Manchester United Agree to New Contract: Details, Reaction

Manchester United finally managed to sign talented youngster Andreas Pereira to a new contract on Friday, bringing an end to lengthy transfer speculation regarding the Brazilian star.  

The club took to Twitter to confirm the news:

Speaking to the Red Devils' official website, the midfielder expressed his delight at signing a new contract:

"

I am pleased to have signed my new contract. I would like to thank the manager for giving me the opportunity to join the first-team squad. I made my Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur and to play at Old Trafford in front of so many fans was a dream come true.

I am at the right club to continue my development as a player and to learn as much as I can. I want to thank my family and God for the opportunity he has given me.

"

Manager Louis van Gaal discussed the 19-year-old's progression over the course of the past season:

"

I am delighted that Andreas has signed a new contract. Andreas has all the attributes to become an integral part of the first team; great natural talent coupled with a good appetite to learn.

I am pleased with his progression so far this season and look forward to working with him to develop his talent even further.

"

Pereira's new contract will run until the end of the 2017-18 season, with an option for an additional year. He would have been a free agent at the end of this season had he not signed a new deal.

Fans of the club were fearing another Paul Pogba-scenario amid constant speculation linking him with moves abroad, most recently to Paris Saint-Germain, per Simon Jones of the Daily Mail (via ESPN FC):

Born in Belgium but playing for Brazil's youth squad, Pereira is one of the most talented youngsters to emerge from United's academy in years, but a lack of chances with the senior squad led to the rumours of a potential departure.

Jonas Giaever of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner thinks United have done a great job ensuring one of their top youngsters didn't follow the example of Pogba, who left the club as a free agent and has since grown into an integral part of Juventus' senior side:

With Pereira now signed to a long-term deal, the Red Devils can focus on incorporating him into the senior side, starting next season. With the fear of him leaving on a free transfer now gone, Van Gaal and Co. can take their time to ensure the youngster doesn't miss a single step in his development.

Van Gaal indicated he believes Pereira has what it takes to be a regular starter before long; it looks like we may find out in the coming years.

Follow @ReverschPass