There is a certain theme with Manchester United with circumstances forcing a player into the spotlight. Marcus Rashford had it with Anthony Martial getting injured against FC Midtjylland, and Facundo Pellistri may be the next player to get that chance.
Jadon Sancho and Antony are not available for selection for Brighton on Saturday, and Pellistri is the only right-winger available at the club. It’s a case of now or never for the player, who has never started a Premier League game for United.
The club want to renew his contract, but Pellistri should think long and hard about doing so if he does not get a chance now.
Sink Or Swim:
Manchester United is the deep end, and Facundo Pellistri has kept himself afloat so far at the club. Every chance he’s got to swim with the big boys, he’s kept up. His head has never dipped under that water, and thus far he’s shown no signs of drowing.
The problem at Manchester United is, keeping yourself afloat isn’t enough at Manchester United. At some stage, you have to take off and never look back. It’s time for Pellistri to prove he’s capable of that.
Pellistri has qualities a lot of United players don’t possess. Especially on the right. His directness off the mark is hard to replicate in this squad, and his byline dribbling is arguably the best available. It’s a style of play that could help Rasmus Hojlund.
The Uruguay international is good enough to start for his nation. Out of the 16 times he’s been called up to the squad, he’s started 11 games. To put that into context, Darwin Nunez has been called up to the team 24 times, and has also only started 11 games. Nunez also has less goal contributions than Pellistri, despite playing more minutes.
Time To Shine:
It’s go time for Pellistri on the right. Bruno Fernandes is wasted out there, and to not start the only right-winger at the club would be an insult. United have to put trust in their youth, but it is up to Pellistri to prove himself worthy.
Pervis Estupinan is as good a test as anyone for your first start in the Premier League. If Facundo can get the better of him over the 90 minutes on Saturday, it could be the start of something special in red.
Read More Manchester United Coverage:
- Report: Manchester United Have Lowered Their Asking Price For Fred Amid Galatasaray Interest
- Report: Real Sociedad Have Formally Approached Manchester United For Donny Van De Beek
- Report: Manchester United’s Matej Kovar Has Interest From Top Seven Premier League Club
- Report: Fiorentina Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat’s Priority This Summer Is Manchester United
- Report: Manchester United Considering Moves For Jean-Clair Todibo & Jarrad Branthwaite
Follow The Utd Transfer Room: Twitter | Facebook & Instagram Coming