Erik ten Hag sees a future for Facundo Pellistri at Manchester United after debut against Charlton Athletic
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sees a future for Facundo Pellistri at the club after the youngster made his debut against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils took on the Addicks on Tuesday (10 January) in the quarter-finals of the cup competition at home. In the end, the Old Trafford side secured a comfortable 3-0 victory.
In the 84th minute of the match, the Uruguay international came on as a substitute for Anthony Elanga. Subsequently, the 21-year-old provided the assist for the second goal of the match that Marcus Rashford scored.
Speaking to the media via Metro after the win, Ten Hag was delighted with Pellistri’s display. The Dutch manager has admitted that the youngster could be a key player for United in the years to come.
“I see a future in [Pellistri]. He is doing really well, we will have to see what is best for him but he is progressing.”
The Uruguayan signed for the Red Devils in the summer of 2020 from Penarol. He then spent a season and a half on loan at Deportivo Alaves in Spain. However, the 21-year-old was a bit underwhelming in La Liga.
Pellistri returned to Manchester in the summer of 2022 and has since been at the Dutch manager’s disposal. However, he has not gotten a lot of opportunities.
Despite the youngster’s lack of minutes at the Old Trafford side, he was part of Uruguay’s squad for the 2022 World Cup. The 21-year-old featured heavily for La Celeste in Qatar. But Diego Alonso’s team failed to make it out of the group stages.
At United, Ten Hag signed Antony to bolster the forward line in the previous transfer window. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s untimely exit in November has dwindled our depth up front.
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However, the Red Devils seemingly lack a number nine rather than a winger. Out wide, we can count on the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony Anthony Elanga and Aleandro Garnacho.
Thus, it has evidently been tough for Pellistri to get onto the pitch due to the competition in the squad. However, the 21-year-old possesses immense talent. Maybe, it would be wise for the Old Trafford side to let the Uruguayan gain more experience in English football out on loan this season.
