Manchester United starlet Facundo Pellistri is sure to have given Erik ten Hag some thinking to do after his scintillating performance for his national team.
The 21-year-old has become a mainstay in Uruguay’s squad despite his significant lack of game time at club level; this season, he has started just three games in total out of the 18 matches played.
Prior to the international break, Pellistri contributed a crucial assist in United’s narrow 1-0 win over Fulham. He played the ball to Bruno Fernandes after a spirited fight to win possession in the box, with the club captain then firing a strike straight into the bottom corner, claiming a much-needed three points.
In the early hours of Friday morning, Uruguay clinched a shock victory over current world champions, Argentina, in a World Cup qualifier. Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez etched their names on the scoresheet but it was Pellistri who received plaudits following the game for his efforts.
Pellistri recognised for spirited showing
Pellistri was ranked joint-highest in the post-match ratings by Uruguayan outlet El Observador with a 9/10.
They were also quick to heap praise on the youngster, saying: “He played a tremendous game because his role transcended the offensive work and became an important piece in the defensive structure because when Uruguay lost the ball he quickly put pressure on the ball again. He was involved in all the risky plays on Emiliano Martinez’s goal.”
Ten Hag will be keeping a close eye on how his players fare over the break ahead of a potentially season-defining run of fixtures for United, and Pellistri’s admirable work-rate could well lead to increased game time when the Reds return to action.
Grand wee player, as is Garnacho. And Rashford, and Hojlund, and even Martial if he could get his mojo back.
We’re 6th with a non-scoring front line; that’s no bad regardless of the opposition quality. The Arse, the Dippers, the blue moon plastics: where would they be with our kind of injury list and an off-form attack?
I’m gonna say ETH over-achieved last season and we’re now having the kind of season expected then.
Next season, we will be serious contenders – provided the suits stick with ETH. And I think they will.
Pellistri could get his chance because he is better than antony