Hargreaves: Andreas Pereira Not Good Enough To Start For Man United
Former England and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes Andreas Pereira does not have the requisite talent to command a starting berth at Old Trafford following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Club Brugge in the first leg of the Europa League round of 32 on Thursday.
Club Brugge got their deserved lead in the opening 15 minutes when Dennis Bonaventure dinked the ball over onrushing Sergio Romero direct from Simon Mignolet's goal-kick.
Anthony Martial restored parity for the visitors after an error from Brandon Mechele nine minutes before the break with a composed finish beyond the former Liverpool goalkeeper.
With injuries sustained by Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been forced to call upon Pereira, more often than he would have thought this season.
The Brazilian made his 35th appearance for the Red Devils this season against the Belgians, and after witnessing his display, Hargreaves insists United need better players if they want to compete with the elite clubs.
“He’s had the second most appearances for Manchester United this season,” the Englishman told BT Sports.
“He shouldn’t be in the position he’s in right now because Manchester United really in the past have always had players, you think of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.”
“Right now the load is being put on these young guys and [Marcus] Rashford and [Anthony] Martial and Mason Greenwood and Pereira.”
“And really, they’re going to be really good squad players for Manchester United but if Manchester United want to win the Champions League and win the Premier League, I think Pereira is going to be a good squad player.”
“He’s played multiple positions this season. He has spoken about goals but I think he’s only got one [this season].”
“At times he’s played as a 10, at times he’s played wide, [against Brugges] he’s almost playing as a sitter.”
“I think it’s difficult for any young player coming into a team that’s struggling playing multiple positions.”
