Andreas Pereira will look to use the hurt of Manchester United’s wretched start as a catalyst to a season-changing victory against table-topping rivals Liverpool.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have had a lot of soul-searching to do over the international break after the shock loss at embattled Newcastle left them just two points off the Premier League relegation zone.
Liverpool are looking to compound United’s worst start in 30 years on Sunday, when Jurgen Klopp’s men will aim for a record-equalling 18th successive top-flight victory.
All eyes will be on Old Trafford as the old foes do battle and Pereira believes this is the “perfect” match.
Andreas Pereira, left, has made eight appearances for United this season (Owen Humphreys/PA)
“We know the fans are hurting,” the 23-year-old midfielder said. “The players and everyone at the club, here at the training ground, hurts.
“Me, even more, because I’m a Manchester United fan and a player and I am here at the Aon Training Complex every day. It hurts not getting the results.
“Everybody is doing their best to get it turned around and I am sure it will happen.
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“Everyone is working hard, even harder, and, sooner or later, when everyone is working hard, things get back to good ways.
“It’s a perfect game against Liverpool, a perfect derby, and we have to build up for it.”
Pereira was born in Belgium and plays for Brazil, but he was reared in the United academy and knows how important beating Liverpool is for everyone connected to the club.
“I think you can compare it with Boca Juniors-River Plate, Santos-Corinthians, Flamengo-Fluminense,“ he told United Review.
”It’s one of the biggest derbies like El Clasico – Real Madrid versus Barcelona – and one of the biggest games, not only in England but in the world.
“Everyone will be watching and it’s most important for us, and for the fans.
“I always watched these games at home with my dad and my family. You know, I was always very curious and supporting United.
“I think it means a lot to us. It’s one of the most important games of the year – it’s the derby and we absolutely want to win this game.
“We will do absolutely everything to win it. I know we’re not living the best moment right now, and we’re not getting results, but I think it’s a derby and it is always a different game.
“Absolutely, we want to win it – everyone at the club, everyone in the team and the staff.
“We all want to do everything to win the game and it can be a nice bounce back and provide a nice lift for us to start getting results.”
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