Solskjaer confidence boost crucial for Man United youngsters, says Pereira

Andreas Pereira is adamant Manchester United are headed in the right direction thanks to the confidence Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has instilled in a young squad.

United won one of their four Premier League matches before the international break but midfielder Pereira insists the manager's approach is perfect for the players at his disposal.

Lowering the squad's age has been a focus for Solskjaer, with Alexis Sanchez, Ander Herrera, Matteo Darmian and Chris Smalling - all 29 or over - cut loose since the end of last season.

Pereira, 23, has benefited by being handed rare league starts against Chelsea and Southampton.

The Brazil international now wants to repay the Norwegian for the praise, support and belief being given to the next generation.

"For me, it has been massive," Pereira said in the Independent.

"It's very important to me that he speaks highly about me and I just want to do my best on the pitch to show the faith back to him.

 

August 30, 2019

"It's very important for the young players to be given this confidence and then, if you have the chance, you have to take it with both hands."

Solskjaer's attempts to reconfigure United in the post-Jose Mourinho era have centred on injecting pace and a sense of freedom to attack the opposition.

Results to date have been mixed, although the three goals scored by new signing Daniel James provide encouragement.

"We have a very positive way of playing now. It's a style I like a lot," Pereira said.

"We're moving in the right direction and everyone has the same mindset, so I think we can achieve great goals this season."