A viral video of Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri appears to show that the Uruguayan could be the answer to Erik ten Hag’s problems down the right flank.
United find themselves short of personnel after it was revealed on Sunday, September 10, that Brazilian talent Antony would not return to the club immediately after the international break.
Antony’s return has been delayed as the 23-year-old battles physical assault allegations made against him by his ex-girlfriend.
With Jadon Sancho facing an uncertain future and Amad Diallo currently out injured, ten Hag now finds himself in a position to make some tough calls in order to ensure his side continues to perform despite the gap in some of the attacking areas of the pitch.
The Pellistri factor
Die-hard Manchester United fans, however, argue that the club is not necessarily having a squad crisis as there are younger players who can easily fill Antony’s shoes.
One such player is Pellistri, who has been in and around ten Hag’s squad since the Dutchman took charge of the club in the summer of 2022.
According to ManUtdNews.com, Ten Hag blocked a loan move that would have seen the Uruguay international leave the club this summer; an indication that he is part of the gaffer’s plans.
With Pellistri we get a more direct winger…pic.twitter.com/hSdVCzBi6c
— ChrisHazeArts.eth / .tez #MUFC 🔴🔥 (@PrinceChrisMUFC) September 10, 2023
Several videos of the 21-year-old have now emerged online, highlighting his playing style, which could prove to be a worthwhile wildcard for Ten Hag.
Unlike Antony, Pellistri’s play is more direct as he is more willing to take on defenders directly, as per a video shared by @TheFergusonWay on Twitter.
Maybe the time has finally come for Pellistri to play on the RW.pic.twitter.com/JPFxY8CmDA
— ☈ッ (@TheFergusonWay) September 10, 2023
He is also very attack-minded, and rarely is he seen passing backwards when his team is on the attack.
Finally, Pellistri is a huge fan of delivering crosses to the main striker, and this is something United have been lacking in recent weeks. With the return of summer signing Rasmus Hojlund from injury, this could be exactly the sort of winger ten Hag’s squad needs.
Pellistri is already an integral member of his national team Uruguay, and he will surely be gunning for more minutes at United.
Antony breaks silence
Sports Brief also reported on Antony’s statement after Manchester United confirmed his return to the club will be delayed.
In a statement shared by Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Antony said the decision was mutually agreed ‘to avoid distraction to my teammates’.
