Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag issues challenge to Facundo Pellistri to become a regular starter for the senior team
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has demanded Facundo Pellistri to take the final step and cement a starting role. The 21-year-old has mostly featured from the bench since making his competitive debut for the Red Devils in January.
The Uruguay international has featured often for Uruguay despite struggling to solidify his place in the club’s starting eleven. The United manager deploys Pellistri as an impact substitute to exploit tired opposition with his pace, agility and tricks.
The Red Devils are currently short on players in the wide department after Jadon Sancho’s banishment from the first team. Meanwhile, big-money signing Antony has failed to make any impact since signing for the club in the summer of 2022. The Brazilian has been invisible whenever he played this season, failing to contribute any goal or assist so far.
Ten Hag told reporters in his pre-match conference (h/t Manchester United’s official site) that Pellistri needs to step up. He said:
“For Pelli [Pellistri] also, he has to make a step from a bench player – often having a very good impact – to a starting XI player. We will see how quick that process will go.”
Ten Hag has given opportunities to the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Hannibal Mejbri, and Kobbie Mainoo during his short tenure. Garnacho played as an impact substitute himself last season under the Dutchman, having the same qualities to exploit tired opposition defenders.
The Argentine has featured more regularly this season after earning the trust of the manager. He scored a cracking overhead goal against Everton in the last Premier League game, repaying the faith Ten Hag has.
The United boss has deployed a rigid 4-2-4 formation, deploying Marcus Rashford on the right wing. The formation requires the wingers to stretch the defence by staying wide while dropping near the goal inside the box.
Pellistri can expect to receive more opportunities as the Red Devils face a congested fixture in December and January. The limited number of wide players and the poor form of Antony might play a crucial role for the Uruguayan.
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The role of an impact substitute is vastly different to the role of a regular player. Pellistri has enjoyed being an impact substitute, playing against tired opponents and showcasing his qualities to the manager.
However, as a starting player, the Uruguay international needs to up his game and face fresh opposition. There is no doubt that Pellistri has all the qualities and talent to achieve that and deliver for United.
