Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained that the arrival of Bruno Fernandes has led to Andreas Pereira's departure to Lazio.
The Serie A side have confirmed the signing of Pereira as he joins on an initial season-long loan, with an option to make the move a permanent one next summer.
The Brazilian arrived in Rome on Thursday and posed with a club scarf in the airport, ahead of his medical and completing his departure from Old Trafford on Friday.
Pereira signed a new four-year contract with United just last year, which has proven to be prohibitive to a permanent transfer, but has found himself pushed further down the midfield pecking order at the club.
His playing time became limited from January onwards following the arrival of Fernandes and the return to fitness of Paul Pogba, and has been further exasperated due to the signing of Donny van de Beek from Ajax this summer.
The 24-year-old was not involved in any of United's four matches in the Premier League and Carabao Cup this season prior to his departure, with his last start for the club coming in the 1-1 draw with Club Brugge in the Europa League on February 20. His desire for more minutes on the pitch has fuelled the move.
Manager Solskjaer has confirmed that the arrival of Fernandes pushed Pereira out of the door.
"Yes, definitely. They’re a big club, Lazio. Andreas needs to play regularly," the Norwegian told United's official site when asked if it was a good move for Pereira.
“He started last season really well and played loads of games. You could see the confidence growing and see him developing but, after we signed Bruno, that position that Andy played in was taken because Bruno came in and had such an impact. We decided this is what was best for Andreas.”
Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi discussed earlier in the week how he is looking forward to working with his new signing.
"I know him," Inzaghi confirmed. "He is a quality player who can give us a big helping hand. I don't want to to talk too much about players who haven't signed yet.
"We'll see if he arrives or not."
Pereira joined United from PSV Eindhoven in 2011 has made 75 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and laying on five assists.
