Manchester United news: Andreas Pereira targets regular place in Red Devils' first team

Andreas Pereira has not started in the Premier League for Manchester United in 2015-16 season

Manchester United's Andreas Pereira remains hopeful that can get regular playing time after spending the majority of the time on the first team's bench in the 2015-16 season.

The Brazilian is yet to start for Louis van Gaal's side in the Premier League and has made four appearances from the bench this campaign. The Dutchman has preferred Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial on the wings, which has allowed Juan Mata to play in the No 10 role.

Ander Herrera has also been deployed behind the striker, which has seen Mata move on the right side of the wing. This has seen Pereira struggle to get regular game time at Old Trafford and is eager to impress Van Gaal in order to get a place in the starting XI.

"It's been good. I've been on the bench for all of the games. Hopefully, I'll be getting more and more chances to show what I can do. I hope I can kick on and get more minutes and show the manager, the crowd and my team-mates what I can do to help the team to win," Pereira told United's official website.

"I am very excited. I have to be patient and keep working hard, like I do. I'll keep going and enjoying my football."

When not playing for the senior side, Pereira spent his time with United's Under-21s this term. He admitted that featuring for them has helped him to get match fitness, which will be crucial when he is called upon by the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager for the Red Devils' first team.

"Playing with the Under-21s only helps you get match fitness and you have to play well if you want to get into the first team, It's a good team. James Weir and Will Keane, for example, are brilliant players," the 20-year-old said.

"It's not like a weird thing when you play for the Under-21s. You know everyone here around you and it feels like family.

"It really is a family club and, when you play for the Under-21s, it doesn't feel like a weird environment at all. You know everyone, you know Warren [Joyce] and you know the players, so it's really good."

READ MORE