Ten Hag prediction about Pellistri shows he was right all along

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Facundo Pellistri made his Manchester United debut a performance worth waiting for by seizing his chance to make an impact.

It has been a frustrating wait for Pellistri, who has only previously had a chance to show what he is capable of in pre-season matches, where he has two goals to his name.

The winger did star for Uruguay at the World Cup, but since returning, has had to wait patiently for his opportunity. It seemed like nothing had changed for him.

Last night his chance came and he has effectively forced the door open to further opportunities, providing an assist just five minutes after coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Ten Hag prediction about Pellistri

Erik ten Hag’s actions this season have indicated that he may simply not rate the young winger. His words though, recently gave some encouragement.

Pellistri had been left as an unused substitute 14 times; close but not close enough.

Speaking in late December, Erik ten Hag insisted that Pellistri could provide an answer to United’s lack of attacking options.

He told the club website: “A striker could come from our own club, see Garnacho, see Elanga, see Pellistri who made a good impression at the World Cup and also last week in the [behind closed doors] game against Everton.”

But then Ten Hag continued to keep Pellistri on the sidelines, and it looked like nothing had changed, especially with the club closing in on striker signing Wout Weghorst, The Guardian report.

The Dutchman’s comments however showed he had faith in Pellistri’s ability all along, and was waiting for the right moment to bring him in.

You could argue that Ten Hag should have been bolder, and started Pellistri in one of the more recent cup games, but that opportunity may come his way later this month.

United’s FA Cup tie against Reading may be the right moment to start Pellistri, but he is a player who could be trusted to perform away at Crystal Palace next week, for instance.

His displays for Uruguay has shown he is not daunted by the big stage, and the way he stepped up at Old Trafford last night was fantastic to see.

Ten Hag says he is confident Pellistri can have a future at the club, and while it has been a rocky road to get to this point, the winger can approach the rest of the season with renewed optimism.

There is still a chance Pellistri could could be sent out on loan, The Athletic claim, with interest rising after his display in midweek. This won’t make Ten Hag wrong; the Uruguayan is a player with potential to star for this football club, whether it is now – or in the future.