Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho backs Joel Pereira to be the best Portuguese goalkeeper of this generation

JOSE MOURINHO is full of praise and compliments as he backs goalkeeper Joel Pereira to be the best Portuguese goalkeeper of the next generation.

The 20-year-old recently made his Red’s first-team debut as a second half substitute in the Emirates FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic on January 29.

PA:Press Association

Joel Pereira makes his debut for Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup against Wigan Athletic[/caption]

Mourinho said: “We have two fantastic goalkeepers.

“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.”

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Pereira returned from a successful loan spell with Belenenses in January after Sam Johnstone joined Aston Villa in a temporary deal during the winter transfer window.

Reuters

Jose tips Portugese goalkeeper Joel Pereira to become the best[/caption]

Shortly after his full debut for the club, the third-choice shot stopper suffered a knee ligament injury but made a comeback in April and was named on the bench for Manchester United’s win at Sunderland.

The encouragement of Jose Mourinho and goalkeeping coaches Silvino Louro and Emilio Alvarez has allowed the Portuguese goalkeeper to be involved with first-team preparations.

Reuters

Sergio Romero, David de Gea and Joel Castro Pereira arrive for training[/caption]

Pereira, who joined Man United in 2012, was born in Switzerland and represents Portugal at Under-21 level.

He also enjoyed a spell on loan at League One Rochdale last season, making 6 appearances before he returned to help United Under-21s retain their title.