Forgotten Man Utd man's future all but sealed after father's admission

Andreas Pereira's father, Marcos, claims the midfield will "find it difficult" to return to Manchester United.

The playmaker is currently away on loan in his homeland at Flamengo, where he has been a regular.

Pereira has scored three times in 18 appearances but faces an uncertain future with a contract at Old Trafford until 2023.

The Brazilian spent last term with Lazio, but didn't play regularly with 23 of his 26 Serie A appearances coming from the bench.

Pereira's father has praised his son's efforts this term but cannot see him leaving South America.

"I think that today is the best moment in his career, not only on the field, but in the locker room, in the club," Marcos Pereira told Esporte Espetacular.

"In today's conditions, I think it's difficult for him to return to Europe, in case Flamengo wants to keep him."

Flamengo will have to smash their transfer record if they are to retain Pereira's services.

It leaves the 25-year-old with an uncertain future, especially as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has talked up the player's quality.

"Yeah, we follow Andreas, of course we do," the United boss told TNT Sports back in October.

"He's a very good player, fantastic person. And I'm so happy for him that he's enjoying it over there. Because for us, it was the point: 'Andreas, now you go and show how good you are'.

"I couldn't give him enough playing time and we know the quality in him. When he has the trust and belief, he's top quality, so I'm happy for him."

He continued: "You know, at a certain stage of a player's career, it's important that you play enough at a high level. Last year, Andreas went on loan, he didn't play enough.

Vote: Who is the true heir to Messi and Ronaldo?

"The season before, he played a lot for us, but then we signed Bruno. And I'm happy for him now and I'll see him soon."

The United loanee confessed earlier this year that foreign football, more so than the Premier League, suited his style.

Pereira told Tuttomercatoweb: "Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga? They are super leagues.

"The English one is very physical, and as you can see, I don't have the ideal physique! Joking aside, I loved playing in England; Spanish football is more my style of play."