Joel Pereira hasn’t given up on his Manchester United ‘dream’ with his sights firmly on their first-team once he completes his Hearts stint.
The Portuguese stopper has made himself the Jambos number one following a move from Old Trafford.
Pereira is Hearts’ number one just now. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
He says that he needs to be positive about his chances of completing the uphill Manchester task.
Perira told the Daily Record (page 72, 20/10/19): “Can I break in there? I will always dream I can get there. To be at a big club you need to have big hopes and a positive mentality.
“If you don’t think positively about yourself, you have zero chance of making it.
Pereira is backing himself to be the Manchester United number one. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
“I’ve always been someone who’s believed in my ability and hopefully I can be at Manchester United for many years.”
Pereira has to shine at Hearts before targeting Manchester United team
Whilst it seems as if Pereira certainly back himself to become a regular Red Devils keeper, he’ll be well aware of the challenge that faces him once he leaves Gorgie.
With David De Gea, Sergio Romero and even Dean Henderson ahead of him in the United food chain, it’ll be a tall order to dislodge any of them for his own place in United’s plans.
He’ll need to put the work in. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
For him to have any chance of doing so, he has to shine at Hearts this season. So far he has looked fairly comfortable, possessing decent handling, kicking and sharp reflexes. Whilst his decision making can be a bit erratic, he’s started fairly positively in maroon.
He’ll have to kick it up a gear or two though if he really wants to catch the eye of his parent club.