The Belgian-born 21-year-old, who has gone on to represent Brazil at youth level, has only made a handful of appearances for United since progressing from the academy.

He spent last season on loan at La Liga side Granada, playing an important role in their season where he scored five goals from his midfield position.

Now back with the Red Devils, he’s been rotated into Jose Mourinho’s side in the pre-season several times, including making a substitute appearance in a 1-0 loss to Barcelona in the early hours of this morning.

And he says he wants to make a claim for more first team action going forwards.

“I think for me it is going well, I am doing my best, I want to get into the team and to help the team,” he said.

Speaking of the clash against Barcelona, Pereira added: “It was a good test, it was good for us, we are in preparation.

“You get more focused for the games, it was a good test for us and for them.

“It’s a test on how to defend against players like Messi, we have to know how to defend against players like that.

“I played them (Barcelona) twice last season [with Granada] but it’s different playing with United.”