Why Andreas Pereira's 'beautiful' goal for Man Utd vs Southampton was no fluke

Man Utd via Getty Images
Simon Peach3 March 2019

Andreas Pereira is hungry for more after enjoying his "best day" yet as a Manchester United player.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's unbeaten start to Premier League life continued on Saturday as Old Trafford bore witness to a helter-skelter thriller.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice in the 3-2 comeback victory against Southampton, but it was Pereira who inspired the comeback with a stunning curling effort from distance.

The 23-year-old has been farmed out on several loans and his fair share of several ups and down this season, but this fine display could prove a landmark moment for the Brazil international.

"It's my best day," Pereira said. "My first Premier League goal, and in a difficult game, so I'm very happy.

Man Utd via Getty Images

"There were a lot of beautiful goals, I think it was a difficult day for the goalkeepers.

"When I received the ball, I saw Luke (Shaw) coming on my left and I was going to give him the ball but it was so nicely on my right foot, I thought I would shoot.

"I'd been practising in training yesterday with Granty (Lee Grant) and it gave me a lot of confidence as I put four in the top corner from exactly the same range.

"So I had a good feeling and I went for it.

"It's amazing. You feel a lot of emotions and I'm very happy and hopefully there will be many more to come."

In Pictures | Man Utd vs Southampton | 02/03/2019

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The last-gasp win was a timely shot in the arm - both in terms of propelling United back into the top four and boosting morale ahead of Wednesday's uphill battle against Paris St Germain in the Champions League.

Alexis Sanchez has joined United's lengthy list for a match that Paul Pogba is suspended for, meaning Pereira could well start as Solskjaer's side look to overturn a 2-0 deficit and progress from the last-16 tie.

Man Utd via Getty Images

"It's a very important win for us," he told MUTV. "We showed big spirit and, hopefully now, we can take it on to Wednesday and show it again.

"I'm just here to help the team and hopefully I can keep helping.

"The manager shows a lot of trust in me and I'm very thankful for that. I just want to do all I can on the pitch.

"We're back in the top four and hopefully we can keep going and get the Champions League spot."

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