The Chilean believes they can help get the best out of him. Manchester United attacker Alexis Sanchez is keen for Jose Mourinho to play with more flair in midfield and believes summer signing Fred and the returning Andreas Pereira can help. The Red Devils were often criticised for their stale and lethargic performances last season, and Sanchez – who was often a frustrated figure as a result – admits they needed to play more beautiful football. Mourinho sought to correct that by signing Brazilian Fred, though Sanchez has also been impressed by Pereira after he returned from a loan at Valencia and is keen for both to see action this year.
Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States has not been without issues since many of the first team players are absent, but the form of midfielder Andreas Pereira has been a significant bright spot for Jose Mourinho’s side. The Belgium-born Brazilian has been one of United’s best players in their four games and his goal from a free-kick was the highlight in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Liverpool in Michigan in front of 101,000. “The tour has been great for me and I’m very happy,” the 22 year old tells The National. “I’m thankful that Mr Mourinho gave me these opportunities to show what I can do by letting me play so much in these games. I just want to continue showing him and the staff that I can play here at United.
“I’m also happy with the team here and we’re getting better every game. OK, we lost against Liverpool, but pre-season is about getting our fitness, getting to know new players and making sure we’re as well prepared as possible for when the season starts.” Alexis Sanchez, another United player who has done well as United’s young squad drew their first three matches, was about to take a 31st minute free-kick in Michigan when Pereira intervened.
‘The truth is that [Fred] impressed me a lot in his first game,’ Sanchez told ESPN Brasil. ‘It’s what the team lacked – someone who plays “jogo bonito” [the beautiful game], as they say in Brazil. And Andreas Pereira too. ‘I think they are two players who have quality and they could help me a lot.’ Nemanja Matic will miss United’s opening match of the new season against Leicester City on Friday night, with Fred and Pereira in line to play alongside Ander Herrera. Paul Pogba only returned to training at the start of the week after his World Cup exploits, so may not be ready to face Leicester. Speaking about United’s transfer business this summer, Sanchez also added: ‘I would have liked that they had signed many more world-class players. But it’s the club’s decision.’
