Realistic Expectations for Andreas Pereira in Manchester United's 2015/16 Season

At the beginning of May, Andreas Periera signed a new contract at Manchester United.

According to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News: 

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[Paris Saint Germain] were prepared to offer Pereira triple what United were willing to pay him, yet the Brazilian Under-20 international has chosen to continue his development at Old Trafford.

"

When he signed Louis van Gaal said of him, per Luckhurst again:

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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.

"

If PSG were really prepared to triple his wages, it seems likely that Pereira's decision to stay at United is borne out of a belief that he can become part of the first XI. In the same article, the player himself said "I am at the right club to continue my development as a player and to learn as much as I can."

Jon Super/Associated Press

It is an intriguing decision, particularly given that Van Gaal's relationship with creative players—and specifically Brazilian players—has a mixed history. Former striker Giovanni told Marca (h/t Goal.com):

"

Van Gaal is the Hitler of the Brazilian players; he is arrogant, proud and has a problem,

My life with him was horrible, the Brazilians did not want him, he put me down and also fought with Rivaldo and Sonny Anderson. He always gave us the excuse that we were not training well.

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It is interesting to note that Van Gaal drew attention to Pereira's appetite to learn. This is clearly a quality to which the manager assigns great importance. The players who have succeeded at United this season have been those who have been willing to implement the manager's approach most effectively, rather than the most talented players per se.

His willingness to become a Van Gaal player will be key to his bedding into United's team.

Where he does so is currently difficult to visualise. In the U21s this season, his best football has often come from the classic No. 10 position. He does a neat line in weighted through balls, is comfortable interchanging close passes in limited space and has an eye for goal.

Indeed today, playing for Brazil's U20 side, he came off the bench to scored and provide and assist.

Assuming Van Gaal plays 4-3-3 for most of the season, there is unlikely to be a pure No.10 in the system. Unless two holding midfielders are used—which seems unlikely in terms of the balance of United's squad and Van Gaal's approach so far—then all three midfielders will have to contribute defensively.

Thus, like his U21s teammate Adnan Januzaj, Pereira's best shot at a place in the side is on one of the flanks.

Just before his contract extension was announced, Pereira told MUTV (h/t Manchester Evening News): 

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I can play attacking midfield, on the left wing or right wing. I think these are my best positions and, to get everything out of myself, I have to play in these positions.

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He went on to say:

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The coaches tell me I have to be further up the pitch because I can score goals as well. We have other players in our team who can do the more defensive jobs.

I know I can get a chance [in the first team] and I want another chance and the next step.

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Competition for places among United's wide forwards is already stiff, and the arrival of Memphis Depay only adds to it. Of course, the inclusion of Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair in the first-team picture this season should offer Pereira hope. Van Gaal is prepared to gamble on young players when required.

On the other hand, though, Januzaj has been a peripheral figure for much of the season—a surprise given his impact last season.

Ross Setford/Associated Press

Pereira, realistically, should probably see getting as many first-team minutes in 2015/16 as Januzaj has in 2014/15 as a viable target. Back-up for the wide-forwards, part of United's League Cup side with some cameo appearances in the league and in Europe—these are his realistic expectations.

Of course there is always the possibility that he will shine and force his way up the pecking order. Ashley Young would not have been seen by anyone as a guaranteed starter under Van Gaal, but he impressed his manager during pre-season and the rest was history.

If Pereira can make himself invaluable, he can reset the expectation, but for now, he should be expecting to play second fiddle to his more experienced colleagues.