With Manchester United struggling for goals, could Andreas Pereira provide the inspiration they desperately need?
By Jamie Martin
Manchester United have drawn four games in a row in all competitions, struggling to find creativity in the attacking third that is a necessity to break down compact defenses. They have not scored in three matches and there is no indication that the drought will soon come to an end. It is clear that inspiration is needed and there is an intriguing 19 year old in United’s ranks.
Could attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira be the man to solve United’s goal scoring problems?
Pereira, of Belgian and Brazilian descent, has risen through the youth teams at Manchester United to involve himself in Louis van Gaal’s plans and is looking to secure a future of first team action at Old Trafford. Though he is many times restricted to a bench role, Pereira could find himself earning more opportunities with summer signing Memphis Depay struggling for form and fitness. It is the perfect time for the youngster to make a crack at the United starting eleven, and it would make sense for Van Gaal to take a chance as the club’s struggle for goals continues.
In the few chances he’s had, Pereira has impressed against lower league opposition. The former PSV Eindhoven youth player scored a free kick against Ipswich Town and put in a quality shift against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup. His pace, passing ability, and determination make him an impressive attacking threat that offers something different to Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini. Though he may not be a prolific goalscorer, Pereira has shown that he has the capabilities to make important passes in the final third. United have been lacking exactly that, and he could be the man to provide the crucial final pass that leads to a goal.
Van Gaal has seemed to favor 22 year old winger Jesse Lingard over Pereira, but with United having a wealth of outside midfielders, there are other positions that have the potential to spark the Red Devils to victory. Ander Herrera, typically a Center Midfielder, has been pushed higher up the pitch to occupy the Number 10 position. Though he has scored many important goals for the club, Herrera may lack the pace to consistently perform in his current role and could be better suited to his traditional midfield position. Ander Herrera is a very important player for United but a change of formation or pushing the Spaniard back could allow for players like Pereira to become more consistently involved.
Manchester United need results now, and trying something different may produce the form the club so desperately needs to appease its supporters. A change of formation or personnel could aid Louis van Gaal in returning United to winning ways. Andreas Pereira has earned his chance and possesses the quality to end the goal drought at Old Trafford. He has shown his abilities in his first few appearances in a United shirt and should be given the chance to continue.
Pereira is a star in the making and the time to foster his talent is now.
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