Pereira has weighed in on the debate about Man Utd’s training base facilities, which have recently undergone a £50 million ($67m) makeover since Pereira left. Speaking to ESPN Brazil he said: “Compared to what’s out there, it’s the elite of football. Few clubs have the structure Palmeiras has. I’ve worked for several big clubs in Europe, and I can say that Palmeiras has the best structure I’ve ever worked in. Better than Manchester United when I was there.”
The Cliff was Man Utd’s primary training ground from 1938 until 1999, located in Salford, it remains an iconic facility where club legends like George Best and Bobby Charlton trained. Though the first team moved to Carrington, The Cliff is still used by the United academy and foundation for training and rugby league side Salford train there, too.Following redevelopment of its first-team building, the Trafford Training Centreis a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster performance and wellbeing. The revamp, driven by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, addressed previous criticisms regarding outdated infrastructure and aims to provide a world-class environment for players and staff.The enhanced facility boasts a range of amenities, including upgraded gym facilities, swimming pool, cryotherapy chambers, and a redeveloped canteen. It also features dedicated barbershop facilities, an F1 simulator, and a cinema-style analysis room. The design emphasises open workspaces and collaboration, with natural light and ventilation prioritised and a notable addition is a “flow system” that guides players through changing rooms, gym, pool, and medical zones in a sequential order. Medical facilities have also been significantly improved, now including advanced equipment like MRI and CT scanners. The Carrington complex, encompassing 108 acres, also includes numerous football pitches, an indoor pitch, and a helipad. It is considered one of Europe’s most secure training facilities, featuring a high security wall and extensive surveillance.
Pereira’s career has seen him transition from a promising United youth prospect to a seasoned midfielder with experience in multiple top European leagues and in Brazil.Born in Belgium, Pereira joined Man Utd in 2011 at the age of 15, progressing through their academy and making his first-team debut in 2014. While at Old Trafford, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot, leading to several loan spells. These included stints at Granada and Valencia in La Liga, Lazio in Italy‘s Serie A, and Flamengo in Brazil’s Serie A. During his time at Flamengo, he scored seven goals in 39 appearances.In July 2022, Pereira made a permanent move to Fulham for a fee reportedly around £10m ($13.4m). In west London, he became an important player, making 119 appearances across three seasons and scoring 10 goals. His consistent performances led to a call-up to the Brazil national team, making him the first Fulham player to achieve this. In August, Pereira returned to Brazil, joining Palmeiras.
Pereira’s is a regular for his country, who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. And his recent return to Brazil will certainly boost his chances of becoming one of the first names on Carlo Ancelotti’s squad list for next year’s tournament.
