Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been ‘surprised’ by Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri
Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri has ‘surprised’ his Uruguayan compatriot Ronald Araujo. The Barcelona defender has been impressed by the 20-year-old.
Pellistri joined the Red Devils from Uruguayan outfit Penarol in 2020. The forward joined Deportivo Alves in January 2021 and spent a season-and-a-half with the Spanish outfit. The 20-year-old came back to Manchester at the end of last season.
Speaking to El Pais (h/t Manchester Evening News), Araujo expressed shock at the talent Pellistri possesses. Seeing the relatively unknown quantity play has caught the centre-back off guard.
“I think Facundo Pellistri is surprising. Obviously we know the quality that Fede Valverde, Bentancur, Darwin have… we all know the quality they have. But Facundo Pellestri surprised me quite a bit.”
Pellistri has not featured for United’s senior side yet. The forward did play during the pre-season. He scored against Liverpool in the 4-0 friendly win in Thailand.
United have an abundance of players in the forward line, seemingly ahead of the Uruguayan. The talent pool at Erik ten Hag’s disposal includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese ended the previous campaign as our top goalscorer. However, the Dutch manager has preferred others ahead of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner this season. As a result, the 37-year-old has mostly found himself on the bench.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have been good so far under Ten Hag. The English duo seem to have regained their confidence after being disappointing in the 2021/22 campaign.
Anthony Martial is also an option for the Dutch manager. The former Ajax head coach has also reunited with Brazilian forward Antony. The 22-year-old moved to Manchester in the recent summer window.
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Ten Hag has youngsters Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho on the bench. With so many people vying for a place in the team, it is going to be difficult for someone like Pellistri to showcase his abilities regularly. Hopefully, the Dutch manager will give the 20-year-old some opportunities.
