Gary Neville slams ‘Disappointing’ Matheus Pereira as West Brom draw v Man United
Gary Neville was disappointed by Matheus Pereira’s delivery from set-pieces as West Brom drew 1-1 with Manchester United at The Hawthorns on Sunday.
Pereira, 24, returned to Sam Allardyce’s starting line-up after being surprisingly dropped to the bench last week for the defeat to Tottenham.
The Brazilian has arguably been Albion’s most in-form player in 2021 but it would be fair to say that he was not at his best versus Man United.
Old Trafford legend Neville wasn’t afraid to point that out after seeing a number of Pereira’s set-pieces fail to find a man in blue and white stripes.
“His delivery has been poor from set-pieces,” said Neville on Sky Sports Main Event, just before half-time on Sunday.
“His free-kicks haven’t been great. His corners have been disappointing so far.”
Good and bad all over the pitch
It seemed that with every bit of good play from a West Brom player against Man United, there was bit of bad play to match it.
Pereira blew hot and cold. He seemed to be involved a lot whenever the Albion had possession but his final ball was never really what we’ve come to expect from the classy Brazilian.
It’s going to be hard for him though as Man United’s defence has improved a lot over the course of the season.
Mbaye Diagne, who scored within 83 seconds to get his first Baggies goal versus United, is a good target man for him to aim at while Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley also offer an aerial threat.
But sometimes, defences just about manage to deal with these players.
We know Pereira can do better. He’s been involved in more Albion goals than any other player this season in the Premier League.
Let’s hope he does it when it really matters in the next four games versus Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
In other West Brom news, Luke Dowling has watched over this English player who the Albion want to sign in the summer.
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