Facundo Pellistri makes sad admission after Man Utd debut
Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has admitted he questioned whether his chance at the club would ever come, having waited around two and a half years for his senior debut.
An 18-year-old Pellistri joined United from Uruguayan giants Penarol in October 2020 and initially began playing for the club’s Under-23 squad. He impressed and looked on the verge of a first-team chance by January, but a bout of Covid-19 ruled the youngster out of an FA Cup tie against Watford.
By the end of that month, Pellistri ended up joining Alaves on loan. He then returned to the Spanish side for a full season in 2021/22, having at least played with United during pre-season.
This season, the now 21-year-old has been on the bench regularly in the Premier League and Europa League, without ever getting onto the pitch. His lack of chances was slightly bizarre given that he was starting to make strides with Uruguay at international level and went to the World Cup.
“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and it came. Of course, I'm really happy because of the moment and the way it was, and that is incredible,” Pellistri has now told club media in the wake of his United debut against Charlton this week.
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“I had the luck to be at Old Trafford in other squads, but unluckily I didn't enter the pitch to play. I looked at the crowd and all the time I thought 'when will my moment arrive to play?' It was the day and I enjoyed it a lot.”
“I am very happy, and I want to help my team-mates to achieve all the trophies that we have in mind and to win every game we have because this is an incredible club and very big. All players want to play and of course I want more. I will fight and train hard to continue this way.“
Speaking after the game, United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed he was happy with what he saw from Pellistri and hinted at a future for him at Old Trafford.