It is two years since Facundo Pellistri signed for Manchester United from Penarol. It has not quite been the smooth sailing experience he hoped for.
Pellistri played a handful of appearances for the under-23s, before going down with Covid which cost him a spot in the FA Cup third round tie in 2021.
Soon after he was shipped off on loan to Alaves, for the first of two fairly disappointing loan spells. This season began with an injury, which prevented another loan move.
But it hasn’t all been bad news. Pellistri has flashes quality with goals in successive pre-season games, and earned a call-up to the Uruguay squad, where he looks set for a World Cup spot.
This week his agent hinted he could leave the club in January – but hold on, the chance to make his debut in an important game might just be coming around.
Here is a look at three reasons why Facundo Pellistri should get a shock start in tonight’s crucial Europa League tie with Real Sociedad…
He is the best fit for right wing
Antony missed the weekend fixture and did not train on Wednesday morning. He has only missed one game since he joined the club, so United have not had to explore alternatives too often.
At the weekend United picked Anthony Elanga and shifted Marcus Rashford out to the right, but tactically it didn’t really work, with the number 10 scoring his goal from the left side of the penalty box.
All of United’s alternative attackers prefer to play on the left, with Jadon Sancho also out. Facundo Pellistri is a right winger.
If Erik ten Hag wants balance to the team, even if just for an hour before throwing on Elanga or Garnacho, then Pellistri is the player to provide it.
Pellistri will provide a disciplined performance down the right, sticking to his position and doing the defensive work, and willing to run at opponents when he gets the ball.
He could be the best fit United have for tonight’s game, even if he has not had an opportunity to prove it in a United shirt before now.
Pellistri can handle big games
Throwing Pellistri in for this game would be a massive call, but the winger will not be daunted. He has already shown he can handle it.
Pellistri made his debut for Uruguay earlier this year in a World Cup qualifier, and seized his chance. He is now a regular for his country and will likely start in Qatar later this month.
While he will recognise the significance of starting for Manchester United in this big fixture, Pellistri will embrace it.
He has played against bigger and better Spanish teams too, facing Barcelona and Real Madrid, even featuring in a La Liga win over Atletico Madrid last season, so Pellistri will be ready if called upon.
He knows the opposition
Pellistri is of course familiar with the opposition, Real Sociedad, having played against them before during his loan stint at Alaves.
He played 33 minutes as a substitute in a defeat away at Sociedad with Alaves, and was an unused substitute against them on another occasion.
He would join David de Gea, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Casemiro among the players who could line up who have played at Sociedad’s Reale Arena before, and this will help him cope with it if he is thrown in.
Even simply being in Spain will provide a familiar setting for Pellistri, enabling him to hopefully play well, if given a surprise opportunity.
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