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Erik ten Hag: Facundo Pellistri is still yet to 'convince me' at Manchester United
After starring for Manchester United in the summer pre-season tour, Facundo Pellistri has fallen down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order at Old Trafford.
Pellistri joined Manchester United back in 2020 after catching the eye in Uruguay with Penarol. However, after failing to make an impact on then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Pellistri was loaned out to Alaves for a season and a half.
He returned to Old Trafford this summer and joined the Red Devils on their tour of Australia and Thailand, and even etched his name on the scoresheet as United beat Liverpool 4-0.
However, he’s still yet to feature in Ten Hag’s side ever since, and the Dutchman has revealed that he’s yet to be convinced by the 20-year-old winger.
“He [Pellistri] was injured, for a long period. Bad injury. So he is now returning,” Ten Hag told the media, as quoted by The Mirror.
“We have some young players in the background in offensive positions. Quite good competition there and they have to battle for it to convince us, to convince me to be in the team, and he is one of the options.”
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Impress on loan
Other than the odd cup game or throwaway European tie, Pellistri doesn’t look like getting any minutes at Manchester United under Ten Hag.
Especially as the Dutchman splashed the cash over the summer to reunite with former Ajax winger Antony. Alongside Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and even Anthony Elanga, there’s simply no space for Pellistri to shine.
So for Pellistri to truly ‘convince’ Ten Hag, the young Uruguayan might want to consider another loan spell.
Despite failing to score, Pellistri was still a major part of the Alaves side he joined on loan, and he definitely showed signs of progression in Spain.
That progression will quickly stall without more time on the pitch. Whether it be in January or the next summer window, Pellistri needs to take Ten Hag’ comments on board and take on an exciting loan opportunity.
With Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho also trying to catch Ten Hag’s attention for game time at Manchester United, Pellistri has to prove he’s at the top of the food chain when it comes to United’s promising youngsters.
In other Manchester United news, Paul Parker labels Anthony Elanga the ‘future of Manchester United’