I played one league game for Man Utd and Jose Mourinho called me the ‘best of a generation’ but now I’m in League One
A FORGOTTEN Manchester United star was once dubbed the “best of a generation” by Jose Mourinho.
The goalkeeper made just one Premier League appearance for the Red Devils during nine years with the club.
Despite, Mourinho’s high praise, he now finds himself in League One with Reading.
After joining United as a 16-year-old, the youngster made his only league appearance on the final day of the 2016/17 season.
He kept a clean sheet as United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Mourinho, who gave him all three of his first-team appearances for the Red Devils, was full of hope for the goalkeeper.
Speaking about his goalkeeping options in 2017, he said of David de Gea and Sergio Romero: “We have two fantastic goalkeepers.”
As for the young stopper in his squad, he added: “We have a third goalkeeper that I think will be the best Portuguese goalkeeper of the next generation so anyone in goal I trust completely.”
This promising Portuguese talent was none other than former under-21 international Joel Pereira.
After loan spells in the Football League Portugal, Belgium and Scotland, Pereira left United in 2021.
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The 27-year-old headed to the Netherlands to join RKC Waalwijk but was released this summer after two years in the Eredivisie.
Following a few months without a club, Pereira returned to England in September, signing with third tier strugglers Reading until the end of the season.
However, he has yet to make his debut, instead being limited to one appearance on the bench in the EFL Trophy.
The Royals are currently 22nd in League One and five points from safety, having been deducted four points so far this season.