Erik ten Hag made clear against Arsenal that he was not very enamoured with the club’s attacking options, making only one substitution, to bring on Fred. It was a scathing assessment of the players he has available.
Well, there is one player he has barely given a chance to, who keeps on making the most of the very few minutes he gets, Facundo Pellistri.
Pellistri, 21, made only his second Manchester United competitive appearance last night, coming on for the final 20 minutes against Nottingham Forest.
This followed up his quarter-final display, when in just a five-minute cameo, he managed to provide an assist.
Last night’s performance was another bright one for Pellistri, who showed an ability to get in behind the Forest defence, out wide and through the centre.
In possession down the right he did what Manchester United fans have been crying out for Antony to do; whipped in a cross with his right foot.
The cross was directly to the head of striker Wout Weghorst, and if the Dutchman was not so tightly marked he could have scored.
His direct run through the centre led to United’s third goal, prompting a scramble in the Forest defence, ultimately allowing Anthony Elanga to pass to Bruno Fernandes, who in acres of space, struck the ball into the net to seal a 3-0 win.
Pellistri tracked back defensively, and was booked for his troubles, giving away a free-kick. It’s hard to know what Erik ten Hag will make of that moment, but from an attacking perspective, the manager may have liked what he saw.
The winger adds something different to United’s attack. He is a different style to the club’s other options, and it is time for him to get another chance, before making a mistake by sending him out on loan.
FA Cup start beckons
Erik ten Hag should strongly consider starting Facundo Pellistri in Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth round tie with Reading.
The Uruguayan has shone in his two cameo performances, and the next step is to start a game and show what he can do. He would love the chance to play at Old Trafford on Saturday night.
The second leg against Forest is on February 1, after the transfer deadline. If Pellistri stays, then he should start. But to prove he should, then the £7 million signing from Penarol needs minutes against Reading.
He might already have proven his worth to Ten Hag last night. United could do with an extra attacking option.
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