Andreas Hoelgebaum Pereira, a coveted Belgian teenager, has claimed Manchester United have won the race to sign him, after the personal intervention of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Pereira has told the media in the Netherlands that he will sign a three-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford on 1 January, the day of his 16th birthday. The midfielder, who has been part of the academy at PSV Eindhoven since he was nine, was also reportedly a target for several of United's Premier League rivals, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

"PSV knew that I was talking with some clubs and they respected my choice," Pereira said. "I had some doubts but at the end Manchester United is my dream team to play for. Manchester United is obviously a great club.

"I am an offensive midfielder, a real 10. Setting up my team-mates, scoring and a good shot are my qualities."

Ferguson made a personal effort to ensure Pereira chose United, a common tactic for the club's manager when looking to coax young players to join. "I have been a few times to Manchester United 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."

On Monday evening on Twitter Pereira said: "Thank you God for this beautiful opportunity."

The teenager has Brazilian family and is considered one of the brightest talents of his generation. Players of his age at PSV, though, receive only a modest training wage. In turn United will be liable for a small compensation fee for Pereira's services.

United have previously signed Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jaap Stam and Park Ji-sung from PSV Eindhoven.