Manchester United youngster Andreas Pereira not fazed by first team competition
Andreas Pereira is ready to fight for a first team place at Manchester United after committing his future to the club.
The impending arrival of Memphis Depay only adds to the strong competition at Old Trafford, but the 19-year-old is confident in his own ability.
"I am not worried about that," he said.
"I like to have a challenge. I am not scared of the challenge. I know it will be hard. Some of the best players in the world are in the team.
"But I have confidence in myself and if I keep doing the things I am doing now, I think I will achieve it. I know there are world class players but I have faith in my ability."
The teenager is certainly not lacking in self-belief, and comes across well. Fluent in Flemish, Portuguese and French before arriving at United, Pereira has added English and Spanish to ease communications at United.
It is no surprise then to hear questions over his future - PSG and Juventus were among the clubs interested in the attacker before he signed a new deal with United in April - smartly sidestepped.
"I wasn’t busy with all the things that came on the news about me," he said. "I was just focussing on my football here.
"I knew I wanted to stay at Manchester United because United is the best football club in the world.
"I want the people around me to like me. If you feel confident and people show they like me and know I have potential. I am very happy to stay here."
While Pereira's contract situation dragged on parallels were made with Paul Pogba, a young United player frustrated by his lack of first-team chances who left for a nominal fee and is now one of the world's most coveted midfielders.
Yet as the teenager picked United Van Gaal spoke of his progress and development, and there are signs the player is embracing Van Gaal's philosophy.
He is delayed in getting to this interview because he had to eat lunch with the first team -
the coach has fined players who do not follow this rule.
And as well as seeking out the manager for tips to improve, Pereira has enjoyed picking the brains of Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie.
"I am learning from them," he said. "They have been through everything.
"They are coming to play in the reserves. I just want to do well and win the game. I don’t think I have to do better than them. If Van Persie is there it is even better because we know the quality is there and we are likely to win the game more easily.
"They like to help the young players. They are open for everything. If you need anything you can speak to them."