”It came about when I played a game with Switzerland [youth team] and I had a few scouts who came to my agent with offers from different clubs,” Pereira told ManUtd.com. “I think United are the team that stood out the most. My agent knew a bit about how the clubs works, and a bit about the Academy here and he just told me that, for myself and my development, United was the best Academy for young players. I just thought about my future and thought United would be the best next step for me.

”When I came here, I knew straight away that’s my place where I have to be. It felt immediately like home. The staff and players welcomed me very well and it felt good. It was a good challenge for me. The club helped me straight away. I knew in January that I was coming in June and, during this six months, they prepared everything very well. The family and the house, everything. When I came, I was already settled and could just focus on football – nothing else outside of football.”Pereira lived in digs with his namesake Andreas, who became a close friend, even if they are not related as some people believe. Charni Ekangamene, a Belgian midfielder now with Beerschot Wilrijk in his homeland, was another housemate who ensured everything went smoothly.