Pereira impressed in pre-season and did so again on Friday evening as he made his first league start for the Reds in a deep-lying central midfield role. The Belgium-born Brazilian was calm and composed in the United engine room, quietly breaking up play and setting the Reds off on attacks.

The 22-year-old thoroughly enjoyed the outing and is hungry for more of the opportunities Jose Mourinho has given him.

It was very good to go out there, to feel the fans supporting us and to play at home in Old Trafford is always good, “ he told MUTV." I am going to try my best to keep playing and help the team as much as I can and hopefully we will see that this season. “

United fans purred at the presence of Pereira, Fred and Paul Pogba playing together in midfield and Andreas reserved some kind words for our World Cup winner, who played over an hour after less than a week of training.