The schedule gets congested in January with the FA Cup alone. And if he proves himself useful there, then it stands to reason that Jose would use him more. And that's even before we consider the possibility of another serious injury to someone else and United not being able to recall him until the season is over.
Jose has made it clear that he wasn't in on it and did not want him to go. AP is the one who really pushed for it. As things turned out in hindsight, Jose was right here and Pereira probably would have played plenty had he stayed. And what happened injury wise this year, is reason enough to bring him back in January.
If Jose actually felt strongly about the move, as opposed to what he said to the media, he would have stopped the loan. It would have been that easy. If Pereira really thought and felt he'd play on a regular basis, not just in an injury crisis, I doubt he would have gone to Valencia. Yes, it would be great to have him now while we are in crisis. But ideally we'll have Mata, Fellaini, Carrick, Herrera, Pogba, and Matic through alot of the Xmas period. Even with all our crisis, McTomminay has made one start. So it's not like Pereira would be playing like crazy. I think we have to balance the nice insurance of him against his potential development.
We have to look to our needs first. An injury crisis is not a freak occurrence for us: it happens all the time seemingly in one way or another. We can go back at the end of last season where injuries and suspensions hit the club pretty hard, to the point we had to forego the end of the Prem season, just to give us a real shot at the EL. AP's choice was understandable looking at things as they were to start the season and yes, Jose should have put his foot down. But the bottom line remains that had he not left, AP would have seen significant pt whether it's in midfield after we've lost Pogs and Fellaini. And perhaps, we could have seen him at the 10 spot, given how poor Miki has been this season. Looking at last season alone, I'd rather have him back at the club in January: it's Jose's responsibility to play him, but it really would not be too hard for him to find him games either...
United appear to have beaten Real for the signature of (very) talented Benfica youngster Umaro Embalo. www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2743335-manchester-united-reportedly-agree-deal-with-benfica-to-sign-umaro-embalo
United get the win, 2-1, vs Bilbao. Rojo played 45mins and looked decent enough, considering it's his first game back (his energy and commitment will be welcome when he returns). Wilson, who scored United's first looked really good today and he appears to be getting his confidence back, slowly but surely (United's best player today as far as I'm concerned). Gribbin came on in the second half and played around 15mins or so. Good to see him back.
Progress report: a look at Angel Gomes and what's next for him. www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2744022-progress-report-on-angel-gomes-the-shining-star-of-manchester-uniteds-academy The burning question about him is obviously why he hasn't signed a contract yet with the club. Will be interesting to see how this develops in the coming months, but there really could be a multitude of reasons why he's dragging his feet in doing so, beside the "he's off to Barca". It may not be all that surprising if it comes to that for a variety of reasons. But at the same time, we should not believe it's a foregone decision either, for a host of valid and solid reasons.
Just like Gribbin did recently with the U23s, Tatith Chong returned today with the U18s from his long term injury as well.
ICYMI - #MUFC have completed the signing of French youngster Aliou Traore: https://t.co/MFS8ZoFUU7 pic.twitter.com/rzw8rZ0wIx— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2017
Malmo director is claiming that United are about to sign 14yr prospect, Lucas Gomes. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-utd-lucas-gomes-wiki-14005863
17 year old Canadian Alphonso Davies has been invited to train with Manchester United for two weeks in January.
Watched the U18s play Pool from earlier today and great hair aside, Chong has been fantastic again down the right for United. For a guy just on his 4th game back, I believe, since returning from his injury, he's moving incredibly well. Super exciting player and he always looks like he's about to go on an amazing run or do something sick with the ball. Absolutely someone to keep an eye on for a few years down the line. We've got some serious talent though at that level: Traore is powerful physically, with players seemingly bouncing off of him when he goes on a run with the ball at his feet. Greenwood was another one who caught my eye as well. Should have won easily tbh, but lack on concentration on the defensive end, gave Pool way more opportunities than they should have and the game ended up 2-2.
He started yesterday. And he looked solid: not sure yet if he's another Pogs or more a Vieira type. Time will tell, I suppose...
In some excellent breaking news, United have announced that Angel Gomes has signed his first pro contract with the club.
Mourinho and Gomes react to the latter signing his first contract. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-angel-gomes-contract-14035301
We've got a few intriguing prospects, but he's still the most attractive one for me (when he's fit - he's out injured again). Although Chong, in a different way, is starting to give him a run for his money.
Easily on technical talent. That said, our youth pipeline is broken so who knows how things will pan out.