Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag sends message to Facundo Pellistri for training performances ahead of potential Southampton clash
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, had some words of encouragement for Facundo Pellistri prior to their match against Southampton. This was after Pellistri’s impressive performance during his brief appearance in the game against Real Betis.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has emphasized that Facundo Pellistri has earned his chances to play in the first team due to his hard work and performances during training sessions. In the recent match against Real Betis, Pellistri came on as a substitute and played a significant role in United’s fourth goal of the Europa League encounter. The 21-year-old displayed impressive skills, evading multiple defenders before delivering a clever pass to Scott McTominay, whose shot was blocked but subsequently tapped in by Wout Weghorst. Despite a good save by the Betis goalkeeper, Pellistri was unfortunate not to score himself during his impressive cameo appearance.
Erik ten Hag spoke highly of Pellistri in anticipation of Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League match against Southampton on Sunday. The Dutch manager commended the young player for being a role model in terms of his performance during training at Carrington, suggesting that he has earned his place in the team through hard work and dedication. Additionally, ten Hag expressed regret for not including Pellistri in the squad for the match against Liverpool, admitting that the player had performed well during training sessions.
“Now this was his moment to come on because of a longer period he performed in training. What impressed me was he came on and, straight [away], showed himself. When they came on, Scott [McTominay] and Pelli, it was 3-1 but 4-1 is huge, to make the extra goal. In the first moment, they did, which was brilliant.”
Since joining Manchester United from Penarol in 2020, Pellistri has played in five matches for the first team and has managed to register one assist. He has also had two loan spells at Alaves and featured in three games for Uruguay during the recent World Cup. Although he has only played once in the Premier League this season, which was against Leeds United in February, there is a possibility that he could be given an opportunity to play against Southampton in the upcoming match.
