Manchester United have three players in action at this year’s Copa America, which got underway in the United States on June 20.
Firstly, Facundo Pellistri has been a mainstay in the Uruguay squad since he made his senior debut in January 2022. He’s been granted game time that has been incredibly difficult to come by at Old Trafford, so will hope that his performances see him either work his way into Erik ten Hag’s plans or attract the eyes of any potential suitors ahead of a possible move.
He certainly got off on the right foot, too, as he scored his first-ever goal at a major tournament and just his second for Uruguay in their last outing: a 5-0 triumph over Bolivia. The 22-year-old also assisted Real Madrid talisman Federico Valverde in the closing stages of the group-stage clash.
Alejandro Garnacho was rewarded for his scintillating efforts across the campaign – which culminated with him scoring the opening goal in the FA Cup final – by being named in Lionel Scaloni’s squad to help retain Argentina’s title at the tournament. He has yet to feature after the side’s opening two matches, but reports suggest the winger could be deployed from the offset against Peru tomorrow.
Then, despite an injury-plagued season at club level, Lisandro Martinez was also called up to represent his nation, having lifted the trophy last time out at the Copa America in 2021, as well as being crowned a world champion the following year at the World Cup.
Martinez wastes no time in returning to world-class form after injury setbacks
Remarkably, the centre-half has made more accurate passes (157) than ANY other player at the tournament this far, as per WhoScored.
His line-breaking passes from deep positions and composure on the ball when moving up the pitch are what led to him quickly becoming a fan-favourite at Old Trafford since signing in Ten Hag’s first window.
Martinez has evidently moved up in Scaloni’s estimations, too, given that he’s started – and kept clean sheets – in both Group A fixtures alongside Cristian Romeo.
