Ex-Red Devil Diego Forlan has praised Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri following his eye-catching cameo against Portugal for Uruguay.
After making his World Cup debut from the start against South Korea in La Celeste’s Group H opener, the 20-year-old was dropped to the bench for Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Fernando Santos’ Selecao.
Eight minutes after Pellistri’s United teammate Bruno Fernandes had given Portugal the lead after his cross found its way into the back of the net after alluding Cristiano Ronaldo‘s head, Pellistri was introduced just after the hour mark.
United’s pacy number 28 was lively and looked a constant threat down Uruguay’s right-hand side.
Diego Forlan praises Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri after eye-catching cameo against Portugal
Former Reds striker Forlan, who recommended the twenty-time league champions signed Pellistri from Penarol when he was in charge of the Uruguayan side, was impressed with his compatriot’s cameo against Portugal.
Forlan, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Argentinian side Independiente, felt that Pellistri showcased his blistering pace but expressed his frustration that Diego Alonso’s side stopped using Pellistri as an outlet.
Speaking to Canal 12 via ESPN Uruguay, Forlan said: “The inclusion of Pellistri was very good, the speed shows. He had four situations, but we stopped using it.”
With Uruguay needing to beat Ghana in Friday’s clash to qualify for the last-16, Pellistri will be hoping for a recall to Alonso’s starting line-up against the Black Stars.
Ahead of the game against the African nation, Pellistri has been sent a motivational message by Uruguayan tennis player Pablo Cuevas.
Cuevas, who plays on the ATP Tour, responded to Pellistri’s latest Instagram post with a comment for the speedster who is yet to make his senior debut for Manchester United.
Cuevas wrote: “Let’s make the magic appear. In the next one.”
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