Andreas Pereira says that he chose to leave Manchester United because he “had little chance” to play.

Pereira joined Valencia on loan late in the summer transfer window, despite Jose Mourinho wanting the Brazilian to stay.

Mourinho declared that he was unhappy with the player deciding to leave instead of fighting for a place at Old Trafford, adding that Pereira was not “ready”.

Pereira, who made his Valencia debut in a 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid at the weekend, has explained his choice.

“It was difficult because they wanted me to stay in Manchester, but for me, individually and to improve, the options to play were here,” he told Marca. “In Valencia I want to help, because at United I had little chance.

“It didn’t hurt,” he added of Mourinho publicly going against the loan. “I talked to him before coming here. On the one hand I am very happy because he likes me and I think if he didn’t see me as a good player he wouldn’t have wanted me to stay. I think on the other side of everything, that is the positive.

“If you look at it from the negative side it might be painful, but for me, however, it’s a good thing. I talked to him before coming here and I want to work hard and stay all year. I’m focused here.

“I’m focused on Valencia, I want to be here and help Valencia all year, but I don’t know what United wants in the future. I want to help and do the best all year in Valencia.

Mourinho claimed that a recall clause was included in the deal that saw Pereira leave. The midfielder is unsure about the existence of such a clause.

“I don’t know, that’s something between the clubs,” he said. “I was told I was going to play here for a year and I don’t know about that clause.”