Mourinho not happy with Pereira’s decision to leave Manchester United

Andreas Pereira Getty Images

• Andreas Pereira joined Valencia on a season-long loan
•  Mourinho has had to accept Pereira's desire to return to La Liga
• Pereira featured in all of United’s pre-season games

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has criticized Andreas Pereira for leaving Manchester United to join Valencia on loan.

Mourinho says the Brazilian midfielder should have shown he is prepared to fight for his place at Old Trafford instead of switching to Spain on deadline day - even though he has never started a Premier League game.

Pereira, 21, spent last season on loan at Granada and Mourinho felt his decision was immature.

“It was his personal decision that I don't agree with, a decision I don't think honestly is the best decision for him, a decision that disappoints me,” said the United boss.

“He has the potential to be fighting for a position, for opportunities to be a Manchester United player.

“His decision can be considered that of a young player who wants to play every weekend, but also that of a young player who is not ready to fight for something very difficult, and it’s very difficult to play in Manchester United’s midfield.

Pereira featured in all of United’s pre-season games

“But you have to be ready to fight for the position and I’m disappointed he left. But it was his decision and I opened the door.

“He has a long-term contract. We have the option to bring him back on the first of January, so it’s not a drama, but is a decision which disappoints me a little bit.”