Manchester United’s young goalkeeper Joel Castro Pereira has been backed to become a star in the future by Rochdale manager Keith Hill, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The Portugal under-19 international made his debut for Rochdale on Tuesday night against Morecambe in the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy after signing a one-month loan deal with the League One club last month.
And despite The Dale’s 1-0 loss, Pereira was named man-of-the-match after making a string of crucial saves, including a penalty. Hill was impressed by his loanee’s performance and went on to say that Pereira could be the next big star at United:
One good thing to come out of the night was Joel’s performance and I think he is going to be a top, top goalkeeper.
He has pedigree and what he has been producing in training was better than what we saw against Morecambe.
His pass range is remarkable, he has composure and a thirst to win, he reads an opponent very well.
He is an exceptional talent and I was always going to play him against Morecambe. I’ve got no reservations, if called upon, to play him in a league fixture, but obviously Josh Lillis is our number one goalkeeper right now.
.@ElgatoPereira1 saves a penalty & gets MOTM on his Rochdale debut tonight #RAFC #MUFC @jmpuk_sport @officiallydale pic.twitter.com/CgPYseZtv4
— Matt McNulty (@Picturematt) November 11, 2015
The 19-year old signed for United from Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax after impressing during a trial and has worked his way through the youth ranks to become the Under-21’s first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the season before heading to Spotland on this loan deal.
However, the young Portuguese may have to bide his time if he is to be United’s next big goalkeeping sensation, with the world-class David de Gea, Sergio Romero and Sam Johnstone ahead of him in the goalkeeping battle.
Comments.
Loading comments…