Uruguay international Facundo Pellistri faced Real Betis twice in Spain while on loan at Alaves, twice ending up on the losing side.
Last night was a happier experience for him, helping Manchester United to record a 4-1 victory.
Pellistri, 21, came off the bench late on with United leading 3-1, and almost instantly helped the team to add a fourth goal.
A smart piece of improvisation after a corner reached him on the edge of the box saw him deliver a cross, which ended up with Wout Weghorst sticking the ball into the back of the net.
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Pellistri makes quick impact
Pellistri had just been on the pitch for a minute when United’s fourth goal went in. It was a great way to make an impact in his first ever Europa League appearance.
Manager Erik ten Hag told the club website the winger’s contribution was ‘great action’, leading to Weghorst’s long awaited first goal at Old Trafford.
It was no coincidence Weghorst scored either. He needs quality service into the box, and Pellistri is a player who likes to take on his man and put crosses in. His game is beautifully simple, and effective.
He posted a message on Instagram after the game and was commended by his teammates including David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Elanga, and on loan Amad.
Amad hailed him as a ‘top top player’, with the pair close despite spending most of their time apart on loan spells.
Amad is on loan at Sunderland where he has been very impressive, scoring eight goals so far, and he has a chance to make in-roads to the United first team next season.
This season Pellistri is getting his chance, and while it is agonisingly slow progress at times with just 86 minutes of first team action this season, he is doing everything he possibly can to make the most of each small cameo appearance he is given.