Former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has admitted that he avoided talks with new Ajax manager Erik ten Hag over the summer, as he had already made up his mind to leave the club. Pereira, who spent 11 years at Old Trafford and made 75 senior appearances, completed a £10m move to Fulham in July and has since thrived for the newly promoted team under the stewardship of manager Marco Silva. Speaking ahead of his return to United for the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, Pereira said he knew he needed to leave Old Trafford in order to play regular football and feel loved, and that he deliberately avoided a meeting with the new Ajax boss as he was sure he would stay if he spoke with him again.
Pereira’s news follows similar comments made by United goalkeeper Dean Henderson earlier in the season, who also revealed that he too had been keen to leave the club before Ten Hag arrived. He even told the hierarchy that he needed to go and play football elsewhere, as he didn’t want to be second fiddle at Old Trafford. Henderson also made it clear that he did not want Ten Hag to see him in training, as he knew that the new boss would want to keep him at United. Unlike Pereira, however, Henderson will return to United at the end of the season after his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
The comments made by Pereira and Henderson highlight the fact that many footballers are often forced to make tough decisions about their future, especially when their playing time is limited. In some cases, they may feel that they are not valued by their club, and that their efforts are not being recognised. This can lead to feelings of frustration and disconnect, and ultimately, to the desire to move on and start anew.
Pereira’s decision to leave United appears to have been the right one for him, as he has been given a new lease of life at Fulham under Silva’s guidance. Similarly, Henderson‘s loan spell at Nottingham Forest has allowed him to play regular football and regain his confidence, which could benefit him when he returns to United at the end of the season.
In conclusion, football is a tough industry, and players are often forced to make difficult decisions about their futures. While it can be hard to leave a club that has been a big part of their lives for many years, sometimes it is necessary for the good of their career. Pereira and Henderson’s decisions to leave United demonstrate the importance of playing regular football and feeling appreciated, and it is hoped that their experiences can serve as a lesson for other players who may find themselves in a similar situation in the future.
