Man Utd news: Andreas Pereira explains why he defied Jose Mourinho to join Valencia

Many expected Pereira to force his way into the Manchester United squad after impressing on loan at Granada in La Liga last season.

However, the 21-year-old sensationally left the Red Devils to join Valencia on loan despite Jose Mourinho wanting him to stay.

And now, Pereira has lifted the lid on why he swapped Old Trafford for the Mestalla for the current campaign.

“I wasn't going to be a starting player at United this season,” the Manchester United ace told ESPN.

“I felt that by coming here I would play more minutes.

“By playing I'll get better, I'll evolve. 

“That is better than being on the bench where I get frustrated and it starts to work against me. Here, I'm playing, I'm happy and I'm getting better.

“People see that, United see that, and it will help me, Valencia and Manchester United. 

“If I go back then I'll be a better player. I'm under pressure here, but in a positive way.

“I play against big teams in big stadiums. We're second in the league. Jose and I have a good relationship.

"We usually speak in English in front of the group but sometimes, if we are alone, in Portuguese, like when he was angry!

“He encourages everyone to speak in English, though if there's a player who doesn't speak so good English then he'll explain in Spanish. He knows different languages.”

Mourinho, speaking at the time, was critical of Pereira’s choice.

"It was a personal decision that I don't agree with, a decision I don't think honestly is the best decision for him, a decision that disappoints me,” he said. 

"He has the potential to be fighting for a position, opportunities and to be a Manchester United player.

"His decision can be considered a young player who wants to play every weekend but also a young player that is not ready to fight for something difficult and it's difficult to play in Manchester United's midfield.

"You have to be ready to fight for the position and I am disappointed he left.

"But was his decision, I opened the door, he has a long-term contract, we have the option to bring him back on Jan. 1, so is not a drama but is a decision which disappoints me a little bit."