David Luiz sends message of support to Manchester United's Andreas Pereira after Flamengo error

Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira was guilty of making a costly error in the final of the Copa Libertadores for Flamengo on Saturday.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender David Luiz has leapt to the defence of Flamengo team-mate Andreas Pereira after the on-loan Manchester United man was guilty of making a costly error in the final of the Copa Libertadores on Saturday evening.

The Brazilian, who has been in fine form since returning to his homeland during the summer transfer window, was guilty of losing his footing in the opening exchanges of extra time, handing the winner on a plate to Palmeiras striker Deyverson, who ran though one-on-one with the goalkeeper and stroked the ball into the back of the net, securing a 2-1 win.

It was a nightmare moment for Pereira and one that he will not want to look back on anytime soon, especially when it came in a game of such importance.

He was passed the ball by Luiz when in acres of space inside his own half and lost his footing when attempting to control it to either set off on a dribble or pick his next pass.

It was an unfortunate moment for the 25-year-old and one that will no doubt haunt him and give him several sleepless nights.

Nevertheless, Flamengo team-mate Luiz, who joined the Brazilian club in September, has offered a message of support to Pereira, insisting Flamengo did not lose the game as a result of his error.

"That’s football," Luiz said, as quoted by National News. "He was having a great game, playing fantastic, and then in one move it all comes crashing down.

"The only thing I said to him was that no matter how much people will analyse that moment, we didn’t lose the game because of that.

"Our vision has to be deeper and broader than that analysis, especially with a great player like Andreas. I’m very sad because he is a great friend, a great player and sad because he deserves more, sad because we deserved more."

Since joining Flamengo on a season-long loan deal from United in August, Pereira has been enjoying no shortage of regular opportunities, racking up a total of 22 appearances, chipping in with five goals, one of which was a stunning free-kick, and one assist.

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