Erik Ten Hag gave Facundo Pellistri his first start as a Manchester United player on Thursday night during the reverse fixture of the Europa League round of 16 tie against Real Betis in Seville, Spain.
The young winger made the most of it as he impressed while he played the whole 90 minutes of the encounter. He was lively going forward, taking on Real Betis defenders, crossing the ball into the box, and his trickery plus speed was a massive weapon he used to terrorize the Real Betis defense while he paraded up and down the right flank. He was unlucky to have been yellow carded while attempting to retain possession.
Erik Ten Hag was impressed with the Uruguayan, whom he had described as an example on the team's training ground. Facundo Pellistri has been very patient with getting playing time but has made a huge impression on Manchester United's fans with his impressive cameos this season. While Facundo Pellistri almost didn't take a wrong foot while he lasted 90 minutes on the pitch on Thursday night, Erik Ten Hag has indicated how impressed he is with the 21-year-old.
"It's not about learning," Erik Ten Hag told MUTV full-time.
"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 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 in all, I think it was a good performance." I think he deserved to come on. I see him progressing and getting stronger. He was good when he came in against Leeds and Betis in the home game. "He's got belief, and then you see his abilities," Erik Ten Hag stated.
"I'm very pleased with his performance," he added. "It was a step up for more, but, once again, it is about him—what he can bring and what he can contribute to the team," he explained.
Former Manchester United forward Danny Webber as well was full of praise for the youngster while speaking to MUTV: "I thought he [Pelli] was great." He could have had more end product at times, but this will be invaluable for him, playing a game of this magnitude with something on the line. He'll take a lot from it. "There is loads more to come from him."
Facundo Pellistri had 100% long ball accuracy; he made 36 passes and completed 29 of them, which gives him 81% pass accuracy. He made 53 touches, won 6 of the 10 ground duels he faced, hit the woodwork once, and lost possession 12 times. He completed three of his four attempted dribbles and had one shot off target. and was rated 7.1 after his display on Thursday night in Spain. (Stats from sofa.com)
With Alejandro Gernacho's absence, Facundo Pellistri will probably be in for more playing time, and with his performances on Thursday night in Spain, Erik Ten Hag will be more convinced to play him more.
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