Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 4y

Man United's Pereira willing to play every day to finish season

Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has said he would be willing to play games every day if it meant being able to finish the season.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to the suspension of every major league in Europe, including the Premier League, as well as UEFA club competitions.

United have nine league games to fulfil, plus commitments in the Europa League and the FA Cup, although there is no indication yet about when football might be able to return.

There have been suggestions the campaign could be declared void but Pereira says he would prefer to find a way to finish the season -- even if it meant a heavy workload for players.

"For me, I want to finish the season as quickly as possible," Pereira told ESPN. "I understand it's a difficult time now and the health of people is more important.

"But I would like to finish the season, even if it means in a week playing a game every day. I want to finish the season. It will be a bad feeling if we have to void the season."

- Rashford's reply to young fan's letter: 'I'm sad about not playing football too'
- Stream new episodes of ESPN FC Monday-Friday on ESPN+
- Stream every episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories on ESPN+

Pereira and his teammates are training at home while United's Carrington HQ remains off limits for a majority of players and staff.

The 24-year-old, who has made 37 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side this season, has been following a gym programme provided by the club and running every day in a bid to stay in shape.

A condensed end to the campaign would put pressure on players' fitness but Pereira believes it is possible.

"I think we could cope," he said. "If you see now, everybody has had a lot of rest, we have recovered, players who were injured are coming back.

"We have big squad and we can deal with games, two days in a row or maybe every two days. I don't think it will be a problem. It would be difficult to accept that the season is void."

Discussions are still ongoing about how the season might end, although United have insisted they are committed to playing to a conclusion.

Solskjaer's team -- on a run of 11 games unbeaten -- have plenty to play for with a chance of a silverware in the Europa League and the FA Cup, and the opportunity to finish in the top four and secure a return to the Champions League.

"It could be a great end to the season for us and that's why it would be said if it was void," said Pereira.

"We still have two trophies we can win and we want to get into the top four so it can still be a good season for us."

^ Back to Top ^