Could Pellistri be a valuable squad member?

Pellistri made his long-awaited debut in the Reds 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup last week, two-and-a-half years on from signing back in October 2020.

The 21-year-old former Penarol winger was only on the pitch for a short time, but provided valuable contributions both in defence and attack, even recording an assist for Marcus Rashford late on.

The winger, who played three times for his country at the recent World Cup in Qatar, has been linked with a temporary move away during the January transfer window, following previous loan spells at Deportivo Alaves in Spain.

In the first episode of our new Ask Erik feature, where supporters from around the world have the opportunity to put a question to the boss, Ten Hag was asked if Pellistri could be a valuable member of his squad moving forward.

Erik suggested that Facundo deserved his moment to shine and that further opportunities could come.

“It was just 10 minutes [he played], but he made a really good impression,” Erik said, in response to the question submitted by his namesake Eric, in Kenya.

“He had to wait a long time for it because you have to deserve the game-time in our squad. There are others who also deserved it who didn't even come on.

“He worked for a long time and he proved himself. He showed., in that moment, that he was ready.

“He had some really good actions, he was lively and he got the assist but also [he gave a] good contribution in terms of defending, he was reliable and he took the responsibility.

“I am happy with that performance and I’m happy with his development, we brought him in [to the team] and we think he has a future here at Manchester United.”

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