Pereira explains why he felt he had to leave Man United

Matt Stead

Andreas Pereira left Manchester United for Valencia in search of first-team football.

Pereira was expected to play a part for United this season, with Jose Mourinho abandoning plans to loan him out.

But the midfielder opted to join Valencia on loan however, and is a regular feature in the squad for La Liga’s second-placed side.

Mourinho criticised his choice to depart Old Trafford, describing it as a decision which left him “disappointed”.

Asked by ESPN FC about his relationship with Mourinho, Pereira replied: “We have a good relationship. We usually speak in English in front of the group but sometimes, if we are alone, in Portuguese, like when he was angry!

“He encourages everyone to speak in English, though if there’s a player who doesn’t speak so good English then he’ll explain in Spanish. He’s knows different languages.”

On his decision to leave for Valencia, he added: “I wasn’t going to be a starting player at United this season.

“I felt that by coming here I would play more minutes. By playing I’ll get better, I’ll evolve. That is better than being on the bench where I get frustrated and it starts to work against me. Here, I’m playing, I’m happy and I’m getting better.

“People see that, United see that, and it will help me, Valencia and Manchester United. If I go back then I’ll be a better player. I’m under pressure here, but in a positive way.

“I play against big teams in big stadiums. We’re second in the league.”