Manchester United academy graduate Andreas Pereira has come to the defense of Jose Mourinho.

The ex-United and current Roma boss has a reputation for not giving young players a chance.

Pereira, who is now at Fulham, wants to refute that theory by providing his own assessment of Mourinho's guidance towards young players.

Pereira told The Guardian: “Even if it looks from the outside that he doesn't give opportunities to young players, I don't agree with it.

“I got in the national team mainly because of him. He made me play deeper and helped me see the game from another perspective.

“My first thought was: "Whoa, I cannot defend. I have to learn." But he showed me some stuff I had to do better.

“It's Jose Mourinho. You want to learn off the best."