Erik ten Hag challenges Facundo Pellistri to step up and become first-team star for Manchester United
United have had issues in his position all season...
Erik ten Hag has challenged Facundo Pellistri to make the jump from impact player to Manchester United starter in the coming weeks.
Signed by United in October 2020, the Uruguay international only made his senior debut for the club in January, making a further two appearances last season.
Pellistri, 21, has made eight appearances this term, starting away to Bayern Munich in United’s Champions League opener against Bayern Munich in September and in the Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace. All but one of his six Premier League appearances have come off the bench.
There is an opening on the right hand side of United’s attack this season with Antony struggling for form and Jadon Sancho still exiled and facing the Old Trafford exit after his falling out with the manager.
Amad Diallo, who shone on loan at Sunderland last season, is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in pre-season.
Out-of-form Marcus Rashford has started on the right in United’s last three games but prefers his regular role in the left.
With Kobbie Mainoo making an instant impact on the first team against Everton, ten Hag believes Pellistri must now make the step up and make the right wing position his own.
‘For Pella, he has to make a step from bench player coming on and often having an impact to [being] a starting player,’ ten Hag told a press conference ahead of United’s must-win game against Galatasaray.
‘We will see how quick that process will go.’
Pellistri came on for the final 18 minutes against Everton on Sunday and will be hopeful of more game time heading into the festive period.
United have two more huge tests away from home this week, first against Galatasaray on Wednesday before a trip to Newcastle United on Saturday night.
Ten Hag will have Ramus Hojlund available for both games having returned to training after a hamstring injury suffered prior to the international break.
The Denmark international and Antony are both in the squad for tomorrow night in Tukey.
MORE : Erik ten Hag drops hint on if Kobbie Mainoo will keep his Man Utd place against Galatasaray
MORE : Manchester United may have to settle for a point at Galatasaray in vital Champions League clash
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