As far as first professional goals go – Andreas Pereira nailed it for Manchester United last night.
The 19-year-old scored this classy free-kick in United’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town in the Capital One Cup third round, in between goals from Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial at Old Trafford.
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With last year’s 4-0 humiliation at the hands of MK Dons in mind, Louis van Gaal selected a strong team with Pereira the only non-Premier League regular included in the lineup.
Although he was the junior member of the side, Pereira had the confidence to take the set piece ahead of Juan Mata, and is thankful for the Spaniard for the opportunity.
“I asked Juan (Mata) for the ball and he gave it to me. We work on it at the training ground and he trusted me,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
“It is a relief for me that all the work I have put in has paid off. It was like a dream come true to score my first goal, a free-kick at the Stretford End as well.
“I want to keep progressing now. Last season was not so good when we went out at MK Dons but this is special. It helped that I have played at Old Trafford before (in reserve games) but it was different also with a big crowd there.”
On his first start of the season, Pereira made quite an impression and should be hopeful of more first-team chances in the upcoming weeks as the Red Devils balance three competitions.
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