Erik ten Hag says he wants young Manchester United winger to follow Alejandro Garnacho path

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Erik ten Hag has detailed what Facundo Pellistri needs to do to be able to start for Manchester United consistently.

Facundo Pellistri has been limited to bit-part roles for Manchester United this season but has made a few starts for the Red Devils, including a starting berth in the 4-3 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on matchday 1.

However, the Uruguayan, who shone during the most recent international break, is continuing to prove himself off the bench for the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag sent on Pellistri for Alejandro Garnacho, who scored a wonder goal, and the former Penarol winger looked impressive. Now the manager wants Pellistri to follow Garnacho to fight for a starting spot.

Ten Hag on Pellistri

As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, ahead of tomorrow evening’s crucial Champions League clash against Turkish giants Galatasaray, the Dutchman has challenged the Uruguayan to break into the United team.

“Pelli [Pellistri] must now become a starter and take that step forward,” Ten Hag began. “He has to make also a step from bench player, coming in and having a good impact, to a starting eleven player.

“We will see how quick that process will take.”

The right-winger has done enough to warrant a starting place but whether the time is right for the Dutchman to throw the forward into a game of this magnitude remains to be seen. Pellistri, however, looks ready.

United’s attack

Perhaps for the first time this season, due to their lack of goals prior to Sunday’s win over Everton, Ten Hag will have some selection headaches in his attack ahead of the game in Turkey.

Anthony Martial scored his ninth goal against Everton since he moved to the club and looked to be nearing a return to his best form and if Rasmus Hojlund isn’t 100% fit, starting the Frenchman may not be a bad idea.

It’s the Dutchman’s decision on the right which will surely decide the affair. Ten Hag has confirmed Antony is back in training but the winger has struggled for consistency this season. However, every time Pellistri is on the pitch, he looks to be a breath of fresh air.

The time is now for the Uruguayan to start from the off for the Red Devils.