Is Andreas Pereira’s New Positional Versatility the Key to Man Utd Breakthrough?

The week ending December 4, 2016, was an important one for Manchester United loanee Andreas Pereira. Not only did Granada, the club he’s spending 2016-17 with, secure their first two victories of the season—one in the Copa del Rey and one in La Liga over third-placed Sevilla—but Pereira netted his first goal for the Andalusian outfit.

The timing of his maiden strike could not have been more perfect, as it broke a drought of 12 league games and gave him the chance to show his support for those affected by the tragic events in his native Brazil; he unveiled a #ForcaChape message scrawled on his thermals immediately after netting. Pereira revealed after the game he “had a friend” at the club.

It’s been a choppy season for Granada, who went into Gameweek 14 as the only winless team in La Liga. They’re on their second manager and have already conceded 30 goals—the most in the division. But while the matchday XI has varied wildly from week to week—particularly under former coach Paco Jemez—there have been a select few constants.

Guillermo Ochoa, the goalkeeper, has played every minute (1,260), and Pereira is firmly second in that category, missing just one game and amassing 1,015 minutes on the pitch.

Andreas Pereira had a friend at #Chapecoense. “I’m happy that I’ve been able to send them my support.” #mufc #forçachape pic.twitter.com/p1Zbty8y5k

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) December 3, 2016

Unlike fellow loanees Jeremie Boga (Chelsea) and Sergi Samper (Barcelona), Pereira has managed to impress two different bosses on a consistent basis, and he remains one of the first names on manager Lucas Alcaraz’s teamsheet. Given the storm of a season El Grana have had to navigate, it’s testament to the Brazilian that he’s been able to keep his balance on deck.

On Saturday, in his stellar performance against Sevilla, Pereira added another layer to his game. He played as one of the two …

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