Andreas Pereira recalls Sir Alex Ferguson moment that made him sign for Manchester United

Andreas Pereira says he knew he wanted to sign for Manchester United as soon as he met Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time.

The midfielder left United for Fulham last year having spent the final two seasons out on loan at Lazio and Brazilian club Flamengo. He tallied four goals and five assists in 75 appearances having come through the Carrington youth ranks following a switch from PSV Eindhoven in 2012.

None of his outings came under Sir Alex but he was the one who convinced him to join the club. Speaking with Belgian outlet Het Niuewsblad, the Brazilian recounted the conversation that made up his mind.

“With Ferguson? Isn’t it special when you sit in the same room with him for the first time?” he said. “During the tour – at that moment I thought I wouldn’t like Ferguson at all – at the club we arrived in the dining room and there he was.

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“The scout from the club who accompanied us introduced us to each other. Sir Alex, this is Andreas. Yes, yes, said Ferguson. I know him well. He looked at me and said: 'Hello Andreas, there will always be a place in our team for a Brazilian.'

“I immediately wanted to stay there. I would have signed anything. So funny that my father told me not to be too enthusiastic, because of course there were still negotiations to be done. We can still laugh about it afterwards, what a moment.”

Pereira has become an important part of Marco Silva’s Fulham side since his arrival, having scored six times and assisted six more in his 44 appearances so far.