Why Andreas Pereira Can Be Manchester United's Breakthrough Star in 2015/16

Of all the players in Manchester United’s academy who are trying to break into the first team, Andreas Pereira is the most talented and best equipped to make the transition in the 2015/16 season.

In the last two months, the 19-year-old has been named as the club’s Under-21 Player of the Year and starred for a gifted Brazil side that finished as runners-up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.  In the final of that tournament, he came off the bench to score a brilliant solo goal, dribbling beyond three players before firing a low shot into the right-hand corner of the net.

There’s little doubt that he has the ability to follow in the footsteps of Adnan Januzaj, James Wilson, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as players who have made the step up from youth-team football in the last two seasons.

The Brazilian’s lively 45-minute cameo in United’s 1-0 victory over Club America in the International Champions Cup highlighted his potential, with a number of teasing crosses and darting runs causing the Mexican side a host of problems.

Ross Setford/Associated Press

Pereira is diminutive, but his lack of athleticism in the form of electric pace or raw strength must be tempered by the fact that he is accomplished on the ball.

In many ways, he seems suited to the brand of football United manager Louis van Gaal encourages: technical and tactical superiority over the opponent. Ever since the Dutchman took charge of the club last summer, United have adopted a slow and progressive style over a quick and direct approach, which will perhaps suit Pereira as he attempts to feature more regularly for the first team.

He will also benefit from the 4-3-3 system—or some variant of it—that Van Gaal tends to favour. Whether it’s in the No. 10 position or out on the wings, the Belgium-born attacker can offer a threat.

Replacing Ashley Young on the left of a 4-2-3-1 against Club America, Pereira stood out as the best player in a completely changed side for the second half of United’s first game of this pre-season.

It didn’t take long for him to make an impact, and one short passage of play showcased his talent. In the space of less than a minute, he put Adnan Januzaj through on goal following a neat one-two, fired over an instinctive cross with his weaker left foot when the move broke down and curled over a dangerous delivery from the resulting corner kick.

That natural creativity has come to typify his game in the last year. He’s not a flamboyant player in the way that many Brazilian attackers are, instead relying on his sharp football brain and technical ability, which will only further endear him to Van Gaal.

Tom Hauck/Associated Press

Although there might not be too many genuine contenders, Pereira looks the best bet to become United’s breakthrough star in the coming year.

He made his Premier League debut last season, travelled with United on his first pre-season tour and has impressed in the last few months for club and country. Where McNair was thrust into the action in 2014/15 at short notice, Pereira’s progression into first-team football has been gradual.

That should help him during a campaign in which he will get chances to shine, particularly if United reach the latter stages of the three cup competitions they are set to compete in and play up to 60 games over the course of the season.

At a time when United are spending freely, Pereira is the one academy player who can play a role in Van Gaal’s new-look side next season.

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