Well that was a good way to make an impression. Manchester United fans have waited a long time to see Facundo Pellistri in action for the first team.
While just a pre-season game, Pellistri ensured it was worth the wait.
The 19-year-old came on as one of nine half-time substitutes in the friendly at Derby County.
Pellistri doubled United’s lead by going round the goalkeeper to score after an excellent through ball rom Shola Shoretire.
The young winger looked dangerous whenever he got possession in or around Derby’s box.
Pellistri won free-kicks and beat opponents to show why he is a difficult player to deal with. He looked sharp and wanted to make the most of his 45 minutes.
It wasn’t all perfect. A sloppy pass just inside the Derby half set off a Rams counter-attack and nearly allowed Wayne Rooney’s side to score a second goal. He can learn from that.
The positives far outweighed the negatives and scoring will do Pellistri’s confidence the world of good.
Another loan may well beckon for Pellistri next season so he can play regularly. This goal serves to build up a bit of excitement around him and it could be from 2022 he is ready to push to compete for the first team.
United fans have not seen much of Pellistri up until now. He played seven under-23 games last season, scoring three times, befgore heading out on loan to Alaves.
It was important he grabbed this opportunity and we could see a little more of Pellistri as pre-season goes on.
Reaction
Here is a look at how United supporters reacted to Pellistri’s performance…
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
- Unprecedented transfer move: Man Utd swoop for third midfielder would rip up the club’s transfer history
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
