Erik ten Hag to recall Manchester United outcast if transfer falls through

The 26-year-old had been expected to join the Brazilian club on a permanent basis at the end of his season-long loan deal.

But Pereira’s failed to do enough to convince Flamengo to spend £12million on him and he has few other offers on the table.

Ten Hag worked with Pereira when he was still a teenager at PSV Eindhoven and he remains an admirer of the midfielder.

Should Flamengo decide not to sign him, ESPN report that Ten Hag wants Pereira back at Old Trafford and John Murtough, the club’s football director, has told the midfielder that the Ajax boss wants him back at the Theatre of Dreams in that scenario.

United are set to lose Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic on a free this summer when their contracts expire, while there’s also doubts about Donny van de Beek’s future.

That will leave the club light in midfield and Pereira could provide back-up to Fred and Scott McTominay, though Ten Hag also wants to sign at least one replacement.

United are set to hand Ten Hag between £100m-£150m to spend this summer but he can top-up his budget through player sales.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Anthony Martial and Alex Telles are all available, with United willing to listen to offers for the five players.

Dean Henderson is another potentially valuable asset and the Englishman is keen to leave in the hunt for first-team football.

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