Manchester United have managed to secure the long-term services of talented young midfielder Andreas Pereira after he signed a new deal on Friday.

The 19-year-old was signed from PSV Eindhoven in 2011 and he went on to make his United first team debut during their 4-0 Capital One Cup defeat to MK Dons this season. Louis van Gaal handed his first Premier League start as he came on as a substitute during the Red Devils’ victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Perera’s new contract will keep him at United until 2018, with an option to further extend the deal by one more year.

A statement on United’s official website read, “Andreas Pereira has signed a new contract at Manchester United which keeps him at the club until at least June 2018, with an option to extend for a further year.”

“The young midfielder, 19, joined the Academy system in 2011 and has progressed to the first-team squad from the start of this season. He made his debut in August 2014 in the League Cup against MK Dons,” it added.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager was delighted after the midfielder committed his future to United. Van Gaal claims Pereira has the qualities to be a talented player in the future as the Dutchman believes he has the attributes to be an integral part of United squad.

“I am delighted that Andreas has signed a new contract. Andreas has all the attributes to become an integral part of the first team; great natural talent coupled with a good appetite to learn,” Van Gaal explained.

“I am pleased with his progression so far this season and look forward to working with him to develop his talent even further.”

Meanwhile, the player himself has praised Van Gaal for showing the confidence in him, which convinced him to sign a new deal. Pereira also believes United is the “right club” for his development.

“I am pleased to have signed my new contract. I would like to thank the manager for giving me the opportunity to join the first-team squad. I made my Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur and to play at Old Trafford in front of so many fans was a dream come true,” Pereira told the club’s official website.

“I am at the right club to continue my development as a player and to learn as much as I can. I want to thank my family and God for the opportunity he has given me.”