A former Manchester United star has revealed that he was told not to say anything after being ‘smashed’ into by Paul Scholes.

In recent times, questions have been raised over the work ethic and attitude of United’s players – given their struggles both domestically and in Europe this year.

However, that hasn’t always been the case at the Red Devils and that was exemplified by the former player’s tale about his first training session.

Former Red Devil Andreas Pereira was a guest on Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE podcast and detailed how Scholes gave him a brutal introduction to life in Manchester.

He said:  ‘I will never forget my first session, Anderson came to me and warned me. They are going to kick you; don’t say nothing. Just stand up and try to kick them back.

‘I remember the first tackle and Scholsey smashed me. I just did not say anything and stood up.

‘He came up to me afterwards and said that it was good that I stood my ground.’

Pereira made 75 appearances during his four seasons in the first-team at United before embarking on a number of loans across the globe.

After an impressive two-year spell with Brazilian side Flamengo, Pereira returned to the Premier League after signing for Fulham – where he currently plays.

In his 33 Premier League appearances this season, the Brazilian has picked up three goals and seven assists as his side sit 12th in the league table.

Elsewhere on the podcast, Pereira discussed the supreme talents of Paul Pogba, who he got to play alongside while at United.

He said: ‘It is not because he is my friend, but he is an amazing player. When I first arrived at the club, he was the first one to really speak with me.

‘On the training pitch I was like ‘I have to get to this level, this is crazy. He is unbelievable, he was easily the best player I have played with.

‘He was powerful, skilful, fast and could score. We were not shocked when he went to the first team level. Everyone knew it.’