Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke about Facundo Pellistri at his pre-match press conference before the Red Devils take on FC Sheriff in the Europa League. The winger is establishing himself as a Uruguay international but has struggled to get game time at Old Trafford.
Pellistri, 20, has yet to make a senior appearance for the club after signing from Penarol in October 2020, although that has not stopped him earning seven caps for his country.
Ten Hag told reporters he wants Pellistri and his fellow young attackers to convince him they deserve a place in the side.
“He was injured, [for a] long period,” Ten Hag said, as per ManUtd.com. “[Against] Atletico Madrid, [he got a] bad injury. So he is now returning.
“We have some young players in the background in offensive positions.
“Quite good competition there and they have to battle for it to convince us, to convince me to be in the team, he is one of the options.”
Pellistri has been sent out on loan twice since joining United but will be looking for minutes on the pitch this season, especially after returning from injury. He impressed us on the pre-season tour, scoring our final goal in the 4-0 win over Liverpool, but nobody wants to be remembered for appearances in friendly matches.
It was a huge blow to Pellistri when he sustained an ankle injury in the friendly match against Atletico Madrid in Oslo. That ruled out the opportunity for the Uruguayan to leave the club again on loan.
Let us know in the comments section if you think Pellistri will get a chance against Sheriff?
