Facundo Pellistri is beginning to get settled in at Alaves as his loan spell continues.
The Urugayan has now made two substitute appearances, the latest being a 45 minute stint against Osasuna after coming on at half-time at the weekend.
Pellistri signed for Manchester United in October and played seven times for the under-23s, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
The Uruguayan explained that he was not initially expecting to be sent out on loan so soon, in an interview reported by ESPN South America.
Pellistri said: “I am very happy despite the rapid changes, faster than I imagined.
“I was hoping to have a little more time in Manchester, but on the club’s side they have organized what to do with each player.”
Asked further about his time playing for United’s under-23s, Pellistri said that the coaches told him he did well while also acknowledging he ‘could do a little more’.
A new stint in Spain
Pellistri is playing for La Liga relegation battlers Alaves. The team sit in 18th out of 20 teams in the division.
The United loanee is still settling in, yet feels positive. He said: “The coach gave me the last two games and he is giving me confidence. My teammates too.”
Pellistri’s showing against Osasuna was bright. He had one shot at goal, one successful dribble, and won two free-kicks.
It has been clear it will be difficult for him to shine in a team which were thrashed 5-1 at Barcelona and 4-0 by Real Sociedad last month, but it is still good for Pellistri to be picking up experience at a competitive level.
Pellistri is still just 19 and is on a long term contract at United. There is plenty of time for him to reach his potential, even if it means taking a route he did not initially expect.
The early loan is good, because United would not have sent him out if the club did not believe he could handle it or benefit from it.
It was quite obviously felt that he was not going to be tested enough at under-23 level, and Pellistri should be encouraged that United are fast-tracking his development in this way.
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