At what point do you go from a promising youngster who everyone hopes will break into the first team to someone who will just never get the chance? On loan Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira thinks that time has come.
Every football fan loves the idea of a player coming through their academy system and playing at their club but at the top level that is something that happens less and less.
Over the years Manchester United fans have enjoyed that rarity more than most other clubs, especially in the Premier League, and even the current side includes several former academy players, including one who cost £89 million to bring back.
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Check out this list of wonderkids who were supposed to make it but never did:
But even at Old Trafford there has been a fair share of disappointments over players who should have made it but never actually did and Andreas Pereira could add his name to that list in the summer.
The Belgian born Brazilian has been on loan at Valencia all season and speaking to Sport/Foot, via Manchester Evening News, the 22 year old cast doubt over returning to United, suggesting instead he could stay at the Mestalla:
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"It was a good experience. I now know what it's like to fight for a place. It strengthens you physically and mentally when you play week in, week out at the highest level. You don't learn anything on the bench.
"However, I know I can't claim a starting spot at Manchester United. All you have to do is look at the bench.
"My future at Valencia depends on Manchester United. All the options remain open, but I don't want to be loaned again. I've shown what I can do. This summer, I want clarity. I want to be able to stay at a club for two to three years in order to build something."
Pereira has started 12 times in La Liga for Valencia this season, having played 35 times for Granada last season on loan, and it sounds like he feels he wouldn't get that much football at United.
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There would have been times this season though when Jose Mourinho would have loved to have the extra option for his squad, instead often having to rely on players out of form.
In fact the United manager didn't even want the player to go out on loan saying at the time, "It can be considered a decision of a player who isn't ready to fight for something difficult. I'm disappointed."
United fans will be hoping if Pereira does leave they aren't left to regret it.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Jose Mourinho, Mancheste United, Premier Leauge, Andreas Pereira