By Egbe Emmanuel E.
Manchester
United have extended the contract of 21-year-old Portuguese
shotstopper, Joel Pereira in a bid to ward off interest from Benfica and
some other Portuguese clubs.
The player, who only made his Manchester
United debut back in January, is highly rated at Old Trafford, who see
him as a long-term alternative to current No. 1, David de Gea if the
Spanish goalkeeper decides to leave the club. Pereira has signed a new
four-year contract with the 20-time English champions, with the option
of a further year.
Mourinho
has described him as having the potential to be probably the best
goalkeeper of his generation. Pereira was all smiles as he extended his
current deal with the Old Trafford outfit, and was very happy as he
recounted his happiness at inking a new deal.
Joel Pereira pens a new deal
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website,
Pereira said: “Over the last season I feel I have made great progress
as a goalkeeper and this will stand me in good stead for continuing my
development as a Manchester United player.
“There
have been many memorable moments for me at this club – however, making
my debut for the first team at Old Trafford was unbelievable for me and
my family.”
He
signed as a 16-year-old back in 2012, and is expected to be a regular
fixture in the first team in the nearest future. He is wanted by Benfica
and Porto but could be loaned out to a Championship club, as Jose
Mourinho wants him to get more games under his belt and develop as a
good goalkeeper.
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