Erik ten Hag feels Facundo Pellistri performed well in full debut for Manchester United vs Real Betis
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was impressed with the performance of Facundo Pellistri in his first start for the Red Devils against Real Betis.
The Old Trafford side visited Estadio Benito Villamarin on Thursday (16 March) for the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie. Marcus Rashford’s strike in the second half gave us a 1-0 victory.
In the reverse fixture, United beat the Verdiblancos 4-1 and had themselves in a comfortable position. However, the first half in Seville was worrying for the Red Devils, with Manuel Pellegrini’s team creating a number of opportunities.
to the next round!
— Facu Pellistri (@FPellistri07) March 16, 2023
thanks for coming reds ❤️
🔜 quarter finals pic.twitter.com/nG5uR1cyeG
The opening 45 minutes saw an end-to-end display from both teams. However, it was Betis who had most of the better chances to break the deadlock.
Thankfully, the Old Trafford side were able to turn the tide after the break. We looked more threatening for most of the second half and, in the end, saw off the Verdiblancos.
Pellistri started the match and played the full 90 minutes. After a slow start, the Uruguay international got into the game and looked lively. Speaking after the win via the club’s official website, Ten Hag was overall satisfied with the 21-year-old.
“It’s not about learning. When you play for Manchester United, you have to perform and he came in a little bit shy. But, after, you could see he got the belief and he was really in the game.
“Really good actions, really good movement in behind and that was the mark before the game from a tactical approach. Defensively, he did his job really well and, all over, I think it was a good performance.”
Pellistri signed for United in 2020. However, he spent a considerable period on loan at Deportivo Alaves. Under Erik ten Hag, the youngster has had to bide his time for game time.
The Uruguayan had a good 2022 World Cup campaign with his national side. Finally, in January, the forward was given his debut for the Red Devils, coming in as a substitute against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where we won 3-0.
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After a few more decent displays, Pellistri has now gotten his full debut for the Old Trafford side. Hopefully, the 21-year-old will only grow from strength to strength from here on out.
