Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira signs contract extension

Andreas Pereira (L) signing the long-term deal as manager Louis van Gaal looks on

19-year-old midfielder Andreas Pereira has signed a contract extension with Manchester United. The new deal will run until 2018, but there is a provision in the deal to extend his contract by another year.

The youngster signed for the United academy four years ago and made his debut for the senior team at the start of the season in a League Cup match against MK Dons.

Manager Louis van Gaal claimed that Pereira has the quality to become an integral part of the first team.

The Dutchman said, “I am delighted that Andreas has signed a new contract. Andreas has all the attributes to become an integral part of the first team; great natural talent coupled with a good appetite to learn.

“I am pleased with his progression so far this season and look forward to working with him to develop his talent even further.”

The Portuguese believes that he is at the right club to develop further.

He said, “I am pleased to have signed my new contract. I would like to thank the manager for giving me the opportunity to join the first-team squad. I made my Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur and to play at Old Trafford in front of so many fans was a dream come true.

“I am at the right club to continue my development as a player and to learn as much as I can. I want to thank my family and God for the opportunity he has given me.”

BREAKING: Andreas Pereira signs new deal, keeping him at #mufc until at least June 2018. More: http://t.co/FO3DeAJxvw pic.twitter.com/4TTVyya9Hc

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 1, 2015

I want to thank my family and God for the opportunity he has given me. #Reds #ManUtd #oldtrafford @ManUtd.

— Andreas Pereira (@andrinhopereira) May 1, 2015