Manchester United prospect Andreas Pereira received the highest of praises from Flemish newspaper Het Belang van Limburg, which referred to the 19-year-old as "the new Messi".

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder signed a new contract with his club side just prior to the Under 20's World Cup, after much haggling and stalling from both sides, as well as nearly losing him to several suitors including Italian giants Juventus - who infamously signed Paul Pogba back in 2012 from United, where he has become a world superstar at the tender age of 22. Pereira's new contract runs until 2018 as well as the club having a one-year option on him to extend his contract until 2019 if they decide to.

Prior to the signing of his new long-term contract, he made two senior team appearances with a substitute appearance against MK Dons and Tottenham respectively. On the signing of his new contract, manager Louis van Gaal told the official website: "I am pleased with his progression so far this season and look forward to working with him to develop his talent even further."     

But it is his appearances from the substitute’s bench for Brazil in the Under 20’s World Cup that is earning him praise from Het Belang van Limburg, who are impressed by his creativity and initiative shown so far. His four substitutes appearances have resulted in him having the most assists for Brazil so far this tournament and have resulted in crucial victories, even when the Brazilians have been behind in matches. Vitally for the talented youngster, he has shown his composure by scoring in both of Brazil's penalty shoot-out's thus far. Now, Brazil will face Serbia in the Under 20’s World Cup final with Pereira hoping to make a key impact yet again.         

The impressive and consistent performances from the 19-year-old can only boost his chances of getting some form of first-team football next season at Old Trafford despite the signing of Dutch attacking midfielder Memphis Depay. His father who played football professionally as a striker told Het Belang van Limburg: "Until further notice Andreas will not be loaned. He has pre-season with the first team and then we will review his situation." It is very likely that Pereira will be given the tour of the USA to showcase his talent and potential to van Gaal before any decision on him is made regarding being loaned out.

Either way, being dubbed "The new Messi" can only boost his confidence prior to the Under 20’s World Cup Final this weekend, with a lot of enthuasiastic United fans set to be watching.

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