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Andreas Pereira is set to start the new season for Manchester United after earning the trust of Jose Mourinho on the club's US tour.

Pereira played 443 minutes on United's five-game tour - more than anyone else – and has played his way into the starting line-up for their Premier League opener against Leicester a week today.

The Belgium-born midfielder, who has switched his allegiance to Brazil, impressed Mourinho and his coaching staff with his performances after two years spent away on loan.

Successive spells in Spain with Granada and Valencia last season saw the 22-year-old mature and develop to the extent he is now considered a key member of Mourinho's squad.

(Image: Getty Images North America)

Pereira took advantage of his chance to impress in the US, with Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini still on post-World Cup breaks, while fellow midfielder Nemanja Matic is sidelined for several weeks following abdominal surgery.

With Mourinho's options in the middle restricted, Pereira – who played the No.6 role for United in the US – is likely to start in midfield against Leicester, along with Ander Herrera and new £52million signing Fred.

Pereira played with assurance and diligence throughout the US tour and scored a superb 25-yard free-kick in United's 4-1 defeat to Liverpool in Michigan, as well as developing an understanding with his fellow midfielders.

"United now have a better player because I went to Valencia," said Pereira.

(Image: Getty Images North America)

“I played more minutes than I would have played at United.

“At Valencia I was playing a high level every week and I improved a lot.

“I was under pressure in a good way. I played in a team which played very good football with an explosive counter attack.

“The tour has been great for me and I’m very happy.

"I’m thankful Mr Mourinho gave me these opportunities to show what I can do by letting me play so much in these games.

(Image: Getty Images North America)

“I just want to continue showing him and the staff that I can play here at United.

“I’m also happy with the team here and we’re getting better every game.

“I'm more prepared now than last year. I spoke with the manager about that and now I want to stay and do my best for the club.”

Pereira is also benefiting from the advice and wisdom of United legend Michael Carrick, who retired from playing last season to take up a coaching role as part of Mourinho's staff.

(Image: John Peters)

“He gives me advice all the time, he's very good for me,” said Pereira.

“He always tells me what to do and helps me in training. If I do something wrong he tells me and even if I do something good, he'll tell me as well.

“He played in the same position, so it's very easy to learn off him and if he tells you something it's easy to pick it up. So I'm very lucky he's there for me.”