Facundo Pellistri will be one of the youngsters ten Haag would keep a keen eye on this season.
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| Suarez played with Facundo Pellistri in the 2022 World Cup |
Signed for £9 million from Peñarol three years ago, Facundo Pellistri, has had a steep start to life at Old Trafford during the last three seasons. Having already spent the first two on loan, last season seemed to be his breakout season as he showed glimpses of the energy, running, and chance creation capabilities United fans want from their wingers but a stern Erik ten Haag (who wants youngsters to “earn” their place in the team) limited him to just a few before and after his involvement in the World Cup.
However, although he isn't much of a starter at club level, he has enjoyed the trust of his national team coach, Marcelo Bielsa, and some game time. He was very involved in their poor 2022 World Cup campaign, starting two of their group stage matches while coming off the bench in the other.
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| Pellistri has come from the bench twice this season for Manchester United |
So while, he has only played 18 minutes of football in regulation time for Manchester United this season, he started yet again for Uruguay in their 3-1 win against Chile rn route the 2026 World Cup qualifications. He was a part of a very young, fast, and electric Uruguay attack that often troubled Chile’s defense and even almost got a goal in the 54th minute.
Playing 71 minutes, he made some good link up play that set off Darwin Nuñez, created a chance, had two shots (both off target), had 86% pass accuracy, and helped Uruguay recover the ball 4 times. Moreso, it was only after he got subbed off that they conceded Chile’s only goal of the game.
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| The youngster did well against Chile |
Liverpool legend, Luis Suarez, who had been left out of the team by Bielsa, thoroughly enjoyed the 21-year-old’s performance in the game and expressed his delight in a cheerful congratulatory comment on the youngster's Instagram post. Backing the winger, he commented, “So, it's just begun” in their native Spanish.
Uruguay will be in action again against Ecaudor on Tuesday night, and Pellistri would be looking to further repay Bielsa’s faith as well as impress Erik ten Haag, especially with availability question marks hovering over the heads of fellow right wingers — Antony dos Santos (legal issues over violent domestic abuse suit), Jadon Sancho (fallout with manager and coaching staff), and Amad Diallo (injury).
Hopefully, he does do both and kick off the rest of the season with blistering form.