Uruguay manager praises Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri after impressive cameo against Portugal

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Uruguay manager Diego Alonso praised Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri following his impressive cameo against Portugal.

The 20-yeark-old came off the bench just after the hour mark with his side trailing the Selecao 1-0 after Bruno Fernandes’ opener.

The former Penarol youngster couldn’t inspire a turnaround for the South Americans as a late Fernandes penalty sealed a 2-0 win for Fernando Santos’ side.

But after dropping to the bench after making his World Cup debut from the start in the 0-0 draw against South Korea, Pellistri looked lively and energetic against Portugal.

Uruguay manager praises Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri after impressive cameo against Portugal

Pellistri, who is yet to make his Manchester United debut despite being signed two years, received praise from Ally McCoist for his performance off the bench last night.

Like McCoist, Pellistri’s national team boss Diego Alonso was also full of praise for the impact Uruguay’s number eight had on the game.

Speaking via Mais Futebol, Alonso said: “The team improved with Pellistri and De Arrascaeta coming in the second half. We started playing better than in the first half. Even so, in the first half, the best opportunity was ours, while they had dominance of possession.”

With La Celeste needing to beat Ghana in their last group stage game to qualify for the last-16, United’s number 28 will be hoping his eye-catching display results in him being restored to Uruguay’s starting line-up for the crucial clash against the Black Stars.

Prior to featuring at the World Cup, Pellistri’s only competitive game time this season came in the EFL Trophy for United’s Under-21s against League Two side Barrow.

Pellistri’s agent has been very vocal about his plan to secure a move away from Old Trafford for his client in the January transfer window.