Manchester United starlet Andreas Pereira admits he 'didn't know' much about Tony Adams before working under him at Granada as he bids to break into the first team at Old Trafford

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Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira spent a season on loan at Granada and has admitted he didn't know much about Tony Adams when the former Arsenal captain took over the La Liga struglers.

The 21-year-old scored five goals in 37 appearances for the Spanish club as they were relegated to the second tier following Adams' disastrous interim spell in charge. The former Portsmouth coach moved from the role of sporting director to manager towards the end of the season and lost all seven La Liga matches he oversaw. 

Pereira claims he developed a lot of respect for Adams' achievements as a player while working with him in Spain - but only after the 50-year-old had told him about his career.

Andreas Pereira claims he didn't know much about Tony Adams before he took over at Granada

The 21-year-old Manchester United starlet (right) spent this season on loan at the La Liga side

Adams lost all seven league matches he oversaw as Granada were relegated to the second tier

'I spoke with him and saw him almost every day,' the Brazilian told United's website. 'I know it was a long time ago but he told me about his career and everything. At first, I admit I hadn't followed his career so closely so I didn't know he was Mr. Arsenal!

'Of course I have a lot of respect for what he did in his career. I know he's a very good guy to speak with me and I am happy that he is here to guide me.'

Though his spell in La Liga ended in relegation with Granada, Peirera believes he made the right decision spending a season away from Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old claimed that playing for a club towards the bottom of the league table has actually helped him become a more rounded player.

'I think I did the best thing for me doing what I did. If I went on loan somewhere that I can play easily, sit back and just do my thing, of course, it'd be good but, at United, we always had the ball and I've had to do things I'm not used to since I came here,' he said. 

Pereira joined United back in 2012 but has only made 13 senior appearances for the club

The 21-year-old believes, however, that he is now 'ready' to break into the United first team

'(At Granada) I have had to defend and we play on the counter-attack and can play long balls sometimes. I was not used to this with United so it has been difficult but it's a good challenge for me and I'm handling it as well. '

Pereira hopes these experiences in Spain will help him break into the United first team next season.

The Spaniard has made only 13 senior appearances for the club since moving to Old Trafford in 2012. But he now believes he can make the step up and become part of Jose Mourinho's plans. 

'I think I'm ready now,' he said. 'I have played over 2,000 minutes now in men's football, in La Liga, and I did quite well. I feel I'm ready, more than ready, to play men's football now. I am more mature as well, physically and mentally, and I am ready to come back and hopefully push to play next season for United.'