KEY POINTS

  • Pereira moved to Valencia on a season-long loan deal at the end of the summer transfer window
  • Mateu Alemany confirmed United have an option to recall their midfielder in January.

Valencia general director Mateu Alemany has revealed Manchester United have an option of recalling Andreas Pereira in January, but expects the midfielder to stay at the club until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old joined the La Liga outfit on a season-long loan deal at the end of the last summer transfer window. Jose Mourinho publicly expressed his unhappiness after the Belgium-born Brazilian midfielder decided against fighting for a place in the first-team.

United manager did reveal then the 20-time champions of England have an opportunity to recall the player in the mid-season transfer window. However, Alemany has stressed they have not received any communication from the Old Trafford club in regards to recalling Pereira in January.

"His future depends on Manchester United. They have a deadline in early January which is in the hands of United and the player," Alemany explained, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

"We need to be prepared if this situation arises but I have no news that in January he could return there. We are very happy with him."

Pereira has started in seven La Liga games this season, while has added six more appearances to his name those of which came from the bench. He has scored once and registered three assists in the league in 13 appearances.

The midfielder is aware of the clause in the loan deal that will allow United to recall their player at the start of the new calendar year. Pereira had earlier expressed his desire to continue with the Spanish outfit until the end of the season after admitting that his "mind is focused" at Valencia.

"Yes, I want to be here, help Valencia until June. I came with that thought, I know that there is a clause in the contract [for United to recall me in January] and now I have to wait to see. But my mind is focused on Valencia and I want to stay here," Pereira told Super Deporte.

"It is important that I am playing to grow, improve and help Valencia. It would be very difficult to return to United at mid-season and continue with the same evolution that I'm having now here."

"No, no [I am not considering on returning to United in January]. I am well here and I have always though that I made the right decision in the summer [by joining Valencia]. I am very happy and I want to continue in Valencia CF."

Andreas Pereira
Andreas Pereira [L] celebrates with his Valencia teammates Getty