Goalkeeper Joel Pereira has signed a five-year Manchester United contract, it has been announced.
The Premier League giants confirmed on their official website and social media channels on Saturday evening that Pereira, 21, has committed to a deal that runs until 2022.
United revealed that the Portugese has signed a four-year contract with the option of a fifth year after making smooth progress since joining the club’s academy in 2012.
A new #MUFC contract for @ElgatoPereira1 – nice going, Joel! https://t.co/XGVZBkBsOJ pic.twitter.com/kVnaiWTZm7
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 8, 2017
Pereira has made just two first-team United appearances, which include a substitute appearance in the FA Cup in January and a full Premier League debut against Crystal Palace in May.
A 4-time-capped Portugal Under-21 international, Pereira spent the first half of the season on loan to Portuguese club Belenenses, where he made 10 appearances, conceding nine goals and keeping four clean sheets.
At United, he is third in the keeper pecking order behind established number one David de Gea and his understudy Sergio Romero, who together have a combined 108 senior international appearances under their belts.
But manager Jose Mourinho is convinced that Pereira can become the best Portgual goalkeeper of his generation if he continues his development.