Manchester United youth stake first-team claim on world stage

“Yes, it is about breaking into the first-team squad. After that, I have to work hard to get into the first team and, following that, we will see.” stated Pereira.

“I can play on the wing or in midfield. It is just a case of wherever the manager asks me to play, I will play. I think I could be a good attacking midfielder.”

Pereira’s talent is undeniable, and his gifted attacking attributes were given the ultimate stage to shine on last season, albeit very briefly, under the guidance of Dutch boss Van Gaal. The Belgium-born attacker was handed his Premier League debut in a 3-0 win over Tottenham last March and committed his long-term future at Old Trafford by penning a three-year a month later.

Like his club teammate, England Under-21 international Lingard is seeking a further chance in Van Gaal’s first-team, having struck a superb volley to give his country their only win of a disappointing European Championship campaign in the Czech Republic.

“I’ve always wanted to play for Manchester United and that’s still my ambition. I was unlucky to get injured at the start of last season and I’ll never know where I would be now if I hadn’t got that injury,” he stated.

“Scoring goals like this can only help. It gets your profile up and other teams see you as well as Manchester United. It can only be good for me. I kept in contact with Louis van Gaal last season and spoke to the Under-21s manager [Warren Joyce] a lot. He was guiding me and giving me confidence.”

Life under Van Gaal instantly looked bright for Lingard as he was handed his top-flight debut on the opening fixture last term, but injury halted any immediate progression. Although, the 22-year-old then spent the back-end of last term on loan at Derby County, where he netted twice in 15 appearances.

Both Pereira and Lingard’s chances of securing a regular first-team position could depend on their performances in the upcoming pre-season tour, in which Van Gaal has stated he will implement an abundance of youth so they can showcase their abilities.

Although, with United constantly linked with a host of new world class stars, couple with the arrival of Memphis Depay, the Red Devils youngsters may face an even tougher task of convincing their demanding boss they deserve a first-team spot, a challenge which Adnan Januzaj faced last season.

The Belgium international winger is regarded as United’s next big Old Trafford star, but was limited to just 18 league outings last term, a scenario caused by the £60m arrival of Angel di Maria and resurgence of Ashley Young.

This current crop of United starlets are facing a stern test of claiming a coveted senior squad position regularly, and could face even more competition as long as the summer transfer window remains wide open, but there is certainly no doubting their credentials.