Revealed: How Carrick is mentoring Andreas
Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has revealed he's been on a Michael Carrick education course in front of his TV at home.
According to live match data in our Official App, the 23-year-old was statistically the key man as the Reds had to patiently break down the brick wall built by League Two opposition Colchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.
And it was manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant Carrick who Andreas drew inspiration from as he helped United progress to a brace of blockbuster semi-final derbies against Manchester City by winning 3-0.
“Michael has been a massive help to me. He helps me every day in training,” said Andreas after the game.
“He coaches me how to receive the ball and how to break teams down. He played a massive role in the same position I play and he has helped me a lot.
“I study clips of him and I study clips of Paul Scholes and all the United players who played in the middle.
“But it is especially Michael because he was an expert in turning around and breaking teams down, especially when they are camped in front of their own area.
“At home I am always watching football so I watch video clips, particularly of players who played in the number 10 role like Wazza (Wayne Rooney). I try to study everyone.
“At the club they also try to help me as they show me videos of myself playing and how I have to do it.”
It is the anniversary of Solskjaer’s appointment as caretaker boss following the departure of Jose Mourinho. The Reds legend was then made permanent boss in March.
Under the Norwegian, Andreas's starting stats have increased. Last season he made eight starts in the Reds XI but has already begun 15 games this term and we’re not into 2020 yet.
“We have evolved a lot (under Ole)," he reflected. "Mentally we are more patient, we work for each other more and more and we have more confidence on the pitch."
“The way we play is the United way. On the counter attack. We are very direct and the manager’s played a massive part in that. Hopefully we can keep that going and he can stay for many many more years.
“He has helped me a lot. The manager and his staff have helped me. As a player I have grown. Especially mentally, I am much stronger than last season.
“I have been playing a lot more this season and in every game my confidence is higher and higher and I can show the abilities I have got to everyone.”