Manchester United goalkeeper Joel Pereira has a daunting task ahead of him, but by gaining inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘mentality’, it might just be feasible.
Currently on loan at Hearts, the Portuguese stopper has potentially two years left on his Red Devils deal. It means he has a couple of seasons to displace David De Gea as their number one.
Pereira is targeting the Manchester United first-team following his Hearts spell. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
It’s a big ask, but he believes his Hearts form, mixed in with some self-belief, can help him achieve that big target.
He told the Daily Record (page 72, 20/10/19): “As a Portuguese man, he’s a hero to all of us. I’ve grown up watching him and I got to meet him twice. He’s shown that a positive mentality, focus and hard work every day will make you get there.
“That’s what he did and from there, he’s just got better and better. I’ll need that same mentality if I’m going to make it at Man U, definitely. Right now, my focus is on Hearts and tomorrow I want to do better than today. Hopefully I can grow from here.
Ronaldo is his hero. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
“After a year, hopefully after a great season, it’ll then be time to think about going back to Manchester again. After every game, someone from United calls me or sends me a text. They’re always in touch. They’ve been really happy with the games I’ve played and I’m happy here.”
Established as Hearts’ number one
Whilst he isn’t the Old Trafford number one just yet, Pereira has made himself a regular in Craig Levein’s Hearts side this term.
The 23-year-old has featured six times for the Jambos, missing out on two occasions due to injury. He has kept just the one clean sheet with Hearts enduring a tough start to the campaign.
Pereira hasn’t had it easy so far in Gorgie. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Not even including current number one De Gea, Pereira has to fend off competition from Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson to secure the number one spot in Manchester.
For his own future, the goalkeeper must ensure he has a stellar season in Gorgie, otherwise his chances of fulfilling his Old Trafford dreams will dwindle.
Ronaldo’s positive mindset would definitely be a great trait to have for the 23-year-old as he continues to work towards his big aim.