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Andreas Pereira is facing up to the idea that he may have to leave Manchester United on loan.

The youngster is still determined to fight for his place at Old Trafford. But having been sparsely used this season and seemingly behind a multitude of teammates in his positions, the Brazilian admitted frustration with his situation.

“Yeah but you just have to handle these kind of things," he said, "keep waiting for your opportunity and I think that's what I'm doing, and just keep working hard.

“Of course you want to play every game, but I have been on the bench. When I come on I want to help my team, so hopefully next time [maybe I can start]."

Asked if he could leave on loan, he added: “Normally yes so we will see what happens.

“I want to stay here, of course, but you never know. We will see."

The stalling of Pereira's development this season has been curious, given the trajectory his career seemed to be heading in last year.

As United announced the signing of Memphis Depay last May, the Reserves Player of the Year laughed off suggestions he would look for a loan move.

"I am not worried about that," he said.

"I like to have a challenge. I am not scared of the challenge. I know it will be hard. Some of the best players in the world are in the team.

"But I have confidence in myself and if I keep doing the things I am doing now, I think I will achieve it. I know there are world class players but I have faith in my ability."

Intelligent on and off the pitch, Pereira settled down to work under Van Gaal's methods and was rewarded with a Premier League debut against Spurs.

His contributions on the first team tour in summer appeared to confirm his position in the senior squad, and his teammates were clearly impressed by his ability.

On his first start this season, Pereira scored a free-kick in a man-of-the-match performance against Ipswich.

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"I asked Juan for the ball and he gave it to me," he said afterwards. "We’ve been practising together and he trusted me."

Without doing much wrong on the pitch though and despite shining in Under-21s appearances, the 20-year-old has found himself behind not only senior stars at Old Trafford but also the likes of fellow youngsters Jesse Lingard and Nick Powell; returning loanees Will Keane and Adnan Januzaj also appear more certain of opportunities.

Given his age and Van Gaal's handling of youth at Old Trafford, there should be plenty of opportunities ahead for Pereira.

The longer he goes without competitive football though, the more sense there would seem to be in seeking a temporary move elsewhere to show the manager what he can do.