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Facundo Pellistri may never be presented with a better opportunity to show his worth at Man United.
Manchester United Football Club are in a precarious situation right now. Erik ten Hag had a less-than-ideal transfer window, while off-field situations are still ongoing. Injuries are also mounting.
It’s during these times when an unexpected player will step up to the plate and prove his worth. Look at how Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene against FC Midtjylland all those years ago. He may still be a relative unknown if not for that Anthony Martial injury in the warm-up.
If we’re to identify one player who may never get a better chance to stake his first-team claim right now, it’s 21-year-old United starlet, Facundo Pellistri.
Why, I hear you ask? Well, there’s a few reasons.
Belief in your own ability and getting the timing right
First up, confidence. Pellistri has earned the trust of Ten Hag. He has been utilised as a substitute for the first-team in plenty of games now, while he entered this season on the back of an excellent summer with the senior squad.
The man from Uruguay has proven to the fans that he belongs at the highest level, while he’s also a regular for his beloved national side, too. It can be argued that his morale and momentum at United will never be higher. The club must strike while the iron is hot.
It would have been easy for Ten Hag to send Pellistri out on loan this season, in order to play regularly for a lower-end Premier League side. However, the fact that he’s been kept around the squad is very telling.
A clear path into the first-team
Suddenly, a gap has opened up for Pellistri. The stars have certainly aligned in that regard.
Jadon Sancho is hardly flavour of the month at the best of times. His latest public comments will do no favours for the Englishman. Amad is out injured, albeit on the mend after surgery. Antony may well find himself unavailable for selection before domestic football starts again, following some very serious claims that were made about him.
Suddenly, Pellistri is a sure-fire inclusion in the matchday squads, with a possibility of the winger starting games after the international break.
Pellistri has impressed every single time he’s taken to the field
Last, but not least, Pellistri has what it takes. Although utilised solely as an impact player against tired defences, the 21-year-old has always looked sharp.
Pellistri plays without fear. He will run at opposing players, often beating them through sheer speed and determination. He’s a danger man who will make things happen. He’s someone who full-backs will not enjoy playing against.
In any Ten Hag team, you also have to work hard off the ball. Pellistri has great energy and tenacity, while he’s still learning his trade and growing as a footballer.
The opportunity that has presented itself to Pellistri is there for all to see. It’s now down to him to grab that chance with both hands.
Do you think Facundo Pellistri is good enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
