Manchester United youngster feels ‘very happy’ after making full club debut

Facundo Pellistri is in high spirits at Manchester United and is continuing to fight for his place in the matchday squad.

The 21-year-old joined United in 2020 but completed two loan spells at Deportivo Alaves before making an appearance in red.

Erik ten Hag then opted to keep the youngster at Old Trafford in the summer and Pellistri has since gone on to make seven appearances; two in the Premier League, two in Europa League, two in the Carabao Cup and one in the FA Cup.

His first start and full debut came against Real Betis on Thursday, March 16. The Reds went into the away clash in Spain with a three-goal advantage, meaning the manager had the opportunity to rotate players.

Outside of United, the winger is already an established Uruguay international. He was called up to represent his nation at the World Cup last year and again in the recent international break.

Pellistri will likely be sent on loan again next season, though hopefully at a more competitive European club. Ten Hag may struggle to give him the game time he wants and a year under a quality coach with experienced teammates would work wonders for his development.

Pellistri in high spirits

Speaking to ESPN via the club website, Pellistri weighed in on his time in Manchester having featured for the club more.

“It makes me very happy to have more participation in the team. I recently played as a starter, [and] that helps you feel better, both in training and on a day-to-day basis. Hopefully, I can follow this path, continue contributing, and, at the end of the season, I can win all the possible titles with the club.”

On the support from fans, he added: “It makes me happy. It would be worse if nobody wanted to see me play. Feeling that support from both the Uruguayans and the people from Manchester, wanting me to play, motivates you and makes you keep putting in [the effort] to have those opportunities that are coming and I’m enjoying them.”

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