A former Manchester United academy graduate was sold by Erik ten Hag and the midfielder has since proved his worth in the Premier League, with his valuation doubling
Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager
Erik ten Hag sold a Manchester United academy graduate during his first transfer window at Old Trafford
(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United ace Andreas Pereira has thrived since his move to Fulham in 2022. The Brazilian midfielder was sold at the start of Erik ten Hag's reign at Old Trafford.
Pereira, who spent 11 years with the Red Devils, made his United debut as an 18-year-old. He clocked up 75 appearances for the first team, primarily under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, before being loaned out.
The 29-year-old had stints at Lazio and Flamengo but his performances were not enough to stop new United boss Ten Hag from selling him three years ago. The academy product signed for newly-promoted Fulham and has flourished during his time at Craven Cottage.
Sky Sports revealed that Fulham secured Pereira's services for an initial £8million, with a further £2m in add-ons. Although the exact details of the add-on clauses remain undisclosed, he has proven to be a savvy signing by manager Marco Silva.
Transfermarkt estimates Pereira's worth at around £16m (€18m), which is double what Fulham initially paid. This is despite his recent dip in value as he enters the final year of his contract, though it's claimed that Fulham have the option to extend his deal for another year.
In 2022, Pereira chose not to meet with Ten Hag, with whom he had a previous connection, as he was keen to part ways with United. However, the manager believed both parties had made the right decision when discussing the midfielder months after his departure.
Andreas Pereira playing for Manchester United
Andreas Pereira spent the last two years of his United career out on loan
''Andreas Pereira is a really good player,'' Ten Hag said ahead of facing Pereira's Fulham in March 2023. ''I [have] known him already a long time, I had him in the youth team at PSV, before he transferred to Manchester United.
''I am really happy for him and that he is progressing that well. I think it was the right step for him as I think he has to play on a regular basis."
Pereira is hardly the only United academy graduate to flourish in the Premier League after departing Old Trafford. Recent seasons have seen Anthony Elanga and Dean Henderson shine for Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, respectively.
Scott McTominay has been a sensation for Serie A champions Napoli, while former starlet Alvaro Carreras secured a big-money move to Real Madrid this summer, just a year after his sale to Benfica. Fulham ace Pereira has previously confessed that being sidelined at United fuelled his hunger to thrive at his new home, insisting he harbours zero regrets over his decision to leave.
Andreas Pereira playing for Fulham against Manchester United
Pereira has made 119 appearances during his three years at Fulham
"I think it was the best decision I made in my life," Pereira told The Standard last year. "To come to live and play here, to enjoy my football, to get back into the national team with great players, to enjoy my football in the Premier League, leaving is the best decision I made.
"The time I was there, I really enjoyed being at a fantastic club. But I don't regret leaving. We have this desire to show it was wrong that we didn't play."
Despite United reportedly retaining a 20 per cent sell-on fee as part of Pereira's move to Fulham, they have yet to reap any benefits from the contract clause. Pereira credits Fulham boss Silva for reviving his career, which saw him return to the Brazil squad last year.
"He is responsible for everything that is happening in the club," Pereira said. "He is responsible for me coming to Fulham. I will always be grateful for everything he has done for me. I have to show the trust he has in me by keeping doing what I am doing. He's been, for sure, the most important piece of our team."
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