Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho disappointed by Andreas Pereira

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Andreas Pereira impressed for Manchester United during pre-season
Jose Mourinho feels Pereira should have fought for his place this campaign
He joined Valencia on a season-long loan before the Spanish transfer deadline
Mourinho has revealed he did not agree with the 'personal decision' of player
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Published: 09:45 EDT, 8 September 2017 | Updated: 13:55 EDT, 8 September 2017

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Andreas Pereira has come in for scathing criticism from Jose Mourinho, with the Manchester United manager disappointed by his naivety and lack of fight after pushing through a loan move to Valencia.

The 21-year-old is yet to make a league start for the club he joined in 2012 but impressed during pre-season and it appeared he would have an impact at Old Trafford this season having spent last term on loan at Granada.

However, Pereira was left out of the matchday squad in United's opening four matches of the season and plumped for a move back to La Liga, joining Valencia on a season-long loan just before the Spanish transfer deadline.

Andreas Pereira has been described as showing naivety in choosing to join Valencia on loan

United manager Jose Mourinho has had to accept Pereira's desire to return to La Liga

Before leaving the midfielder signed a new deal at United until 2019, including an option for an additional 12 months - a sign of the club's faith in a player whose decision has clearly irked Mourinho.

'Andreas Pereira was a personal decision - a decision that I don't agree with,' the Portuguese said.

'A decision that, honestly, I don't think in this moment is the best decision for him.

'(It is) a decision that disappoints me a little bit because I think he has the potential to be here fighting for a position, fighting for opportunities and fighting to be a Manchester United player.

Pereira impressed during pre-season and it appeared the 21-year-old would have an impact

But Mourinho will be without the Belgian this term despite him signing a new long-term deal

'I think his decision can be considered a decision of a young player who wants to play every weekend, but can also be considered a decision of a young player that is not ready to fight for something difficult - and it's difficult to play in Manchester United's midfield.

'You have to be ready to fight for the position and I am a bit disappointed that he left.

'But, okay, it was his decision, I open the door for his decision. He has a long-term contract, we have an option to bring him back on January 1, we have that situation under control.

'So is not a drama, but it is a decision which disappoints me a little bit.'