Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho sanctions Andreas Pereira loan to FC Utrecht

Pereira’s future has been the subject of much speculation after he enjoyed an impressive 2016/17 season in Spain with Granada despite their relegation to Segunda Division.

The 21-year-old then played a prominent part in pre-season and was handed the number 15 shirt by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

But he is yet to appear for United this season and not even been included in match day squad.

On Saturday, Mourinho urged United players on the periphery of the squad to remain patient saying: "I will be very happy when the Champions League and League Cup start.

"Because then I'll have more games and more opportunities to give all of my players the game time they deserve.

"As ever, all the boys are working hard. It might be easy for people to praise the ones who have done so well in the opening games of the season, but I prefer to praise the amazing professionals who are not playing at the moment.

"They might not have played the minutes they would have liked so far, but they are all being very patient and waiting for their opportunity to become important for the team.

"Last season showed how much we will need to use the whole squad during the course of the campaign, and while I can only pick 11 players to start each game, the boys all know they will get chances and I know I can count on any of them whenever selected.

But it now appears Pereira will leave Old Trafford again for first-team football.

According to Dutch outlet AD, the Brazilian has chosen to join Utrecht on a season long loan.

The move means Pereira will link up with coach Erik at Hag, who worked with the midfielder at PSV when he was a youth prospect.