United grab 15-year-old sensation from under rivals' noses

Sir Alex Ferguson has pulled off a major transfer coup by signing PSV Eindhoven's 15-year-old wonderboy Andreas Hoelhebaum Pereira.

The Belgian midfielder was a target for Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea but says he has picked Old Trafford after personal intervention from Fergie.

Pereira will sign for United on his 16th birthday - New Years' Day - and Tweeted last night: "Thank you God for this beautiful opportunity."

He added: "PSV knew I was talking with some clubs and they respected my choice. I had some doubts but Manchester United is the team to play for.

"I have been a few times to Manchester Uniyed to have a look. I got a tour and spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson. Being a 15-year-old, to talk with such a man was great.

Pereira described himself as a "real 10" - a reference to his position rather than a big-headed assessment of his talents and added: "I am an offensive midfielder. Setting up team-mats, scoring and a good shot are my qualities."

He joins Ji-Sung Park as former PSV men at Old Trafford. Fergie previously signed Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nikstelrooy from the Dutch side.