Facundo Pellistri tipped to shine at World Cup by former youth coach

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Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has been tipped shine at the World Cup for Uruguay.

Pellistri, 20, is hoping to be part of the Uruguay starting line-up for their opening game against South Korea later this week.

The youngster broke into the Uruguay squad earlier in 2022, despite struggling to make an impact for loan side Alaves.

His fortunes have not been any better since returning to Manchester United; he has not played a single minute this season.

Pellistri tipped to shine at World Cup

Pellistri’s former academy coach spoke to El Observador about the winger, and believes he can make a real impact at the tournament.

Martin Garcia says the Manchester United prospect is a good fit for his national team and will be watching his progress closely.

Garcia said: “He is an ideal player to have at the opening of a match because he is extremely fast and technically he is very good.

“He adds the reading of the game, the intelligence of how he interprets football in a game.

“He has a lot to grow and with this system of Diego (Alonso) he can give a lot to Uruguay.”

Pellistri has seven international caps for Uruguay to date and is really the surprise package in their team, which is packed with established stars.

He has three assists in those seven matches, two of which came in three World Cup qualifying games.

Pellistri’s future at United is uncertain. He is expected to leave in January, due to a lack of action, but it is unclear whether and exit would be a permanent or loan switch.

This could depend on how he performs at the tournament, which could influence the types of offers United receive, and the Red Devils’ own viewpoint on him.

Just having the chance to star in Qatar is not an opportunity Pellistri would have considered likely this time last year, but since getting called up, he has seized his chance, and now he has the platform to really showcase what he can do.