Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira took a free-kick so badly that he felt the need to apologise to teammate Juan Mata apologised.
The Brazilian, who spent last season on loan at Lazio last season, has returned to United for pre-season and featured in games against Derby County and QPR as well as most recent opponents Brentford.
He started a second consecutive game alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield during the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in front of around 30,000 fans - the most at the ground since the Manchester derby win in March 2020.
The 25-year-old impressed with his performance but not in his set-piece taking abilities. In the first half, Pereira fancied his chances from an appealing dead-ball situation and managed to convince Mata, a set-piece specialist, to let him take it.
His effort was utterly atrocious, Pereira trying to catch Brentford out with a low effort but seeing his effort travel ever so slightly in what was a huge waste.
Advert
Knowing how bad his strike was, he took to Instagram to say sorry to Mata, writing: "The next one is yours. Your face says it all."
But Pereira undoubtedly made amends as in the second half he did his best Paul Scholes impression when he scored the most incredible 25 yard volley in front of the Stretford End
The technique was quite sublime, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitting the club's Goal of the Season award might be done already.
Advert
"We might just hand it out, that hit from Andreas was out of this world," the Manchester United boss told MUTV.
Pereira, despite never really been a regular in the United first-team, has scored a number of long-range stunners.
But for him, this one is right up there as the best of his career.
"I think that's my best goal, yeah," Pereira stated in an interview with MUTV after the draw.
Advert
"As soon as Jesse hit it, it came off the goalkeeper and I thought 'I might have a chance here' and as soon as I hit it, it felt good straight away.
"It was a nice feeling, having the fans back in and scoring the goal."
Next up for United is a short visit to Championship side Preston, before they host Everton at home in their final friendly before their Premier League campaign gets underway against Leeds United on 14 August.
Topics: Juan Mata, Football, Manchester United, Andreas Pereira
