Manchester United ace Facundo Pellistri made his Europa League debut and yet another impressive cameo against Real Betis as Erik Ten Hag's men cruised to a 4-1 victory on Thursday night.
It was his first appearance since a 31-minute cameo against Leeds United in February, thereby making his Premier League debut, and it was again a replica of his official Manchester United debut in January, after coming off the bench to assist Marcus Rashford during Manchester United's 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United were already 3-1 up with the time remaining in the 82nd minute of the game. Erik Ten Hag pulled off Antony and Fred for Facundo Pellistri and Scott McTominay. while Manchester United's corner kick was being anticipated.
Facundo Pellistri was immediately picked up by Bruno Fernandes' corner at the edge of the box. The 21-year-old found himself crowded by the Real Betis defense and quickly improvised by drawing the ball into the corner, dragging the opponents with him, before swiftly swerving back into the box and beating his marker with his speed. He fired a low cross into the center of the Real Betis box, which was met by fellow substitute Scott McTominay, but Claudio Bravo was in position to
It was Wout Weghorst's rebound that ensured the ball hit the back of the net. It's unfortunate for Pellistri not to claim an assist, but he needed just 14 seconds to make his impact felt on the pitch. He was also unlucky to have another of his attempts kept out by Bravo before the full-time whistle.
Erik Ten Hag has admitted he has noticed the talent that is instilled in the young Uruguayan winger. Although his loan stints outside of Old Trafford haven't been so great, the 21-year-old has easily convinced those who have watched him play that he has a lot to offer.
It was after Erik Ten Hag watched him play during a closed-door friendly against Everton last November that he was convinced the youngster has potential and handed him his official Manchester United debut two months later.
He has shown he is capable of running the length of the pitch as he contributes defensively and simultaneously terrorizes the opponent's defense. His ability to make runs and get into dangerous positions with the ball, albiet implementing Erik Ten Hag's transitional attacking football style, shows he could become handy under the Dutch manager.
His decision-making has been eye-catching as well; how he was able to set up Marcus Rashford's goal on his debut appearance against Charlton Athletic and his impact upon getting subbed on against Real Betis has been encouraging. Much can't be said about his goal-scoring abilities, but he has shown he can be very dangerous in attacking plays.
It's left to see if Erik Ten Hag would give him a chance to impress, as the manager has always preferred his summer signing, Antony dos Santos, a player he has worked with at his former club and completely trusts.
It's undeniable that Facundo Pellistri is hungry to play, but Erik Ten Hag, as we know, will always stick to his principles. However, it's time for the Uruguayan winger to get a deserved starting berth, maybe in Manchester United's next game or maybe not; Facundo Pellistri is ready to fight for his place in the Red Devils' starting lineup.
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