Pellistri relaxed ahead of exciting time

The Uruguayan has been on the bench but is still awaiting his competitive first-team debut for the Reds, since joining in 2020 from Penarol.

A maiden appearance could be on the horizon now he is back to fitness after an up-and-down pre-season saw him pick up an injury after the high of scoring in July's 4-0 friendly victory over Liverpool in Bangkok.

There is also the prospect of a place in his country's World Cup squad, with the tournament in Qatar creeping ever closer.

"I'm very happy to be back here again," he told us, following his loan move to Alaves last term. "I'm training hard on a daily basis and enjoying everything about life here at this great club, Manchester United. I'm hoping for the chance to be able to get some game-time under my belt. So all this makes me very pleased.

"Well, I'm quite calm and relaxed about it [making my debut]. As you said, I've played in a lot of pre-season and friendly games for the club but I'm still to make my debut, for a number of different reasons really. I've also been out on loan a lot but, this time, I've stayed put and so I'm searching for my opportunity, but I'm pretty chilled as I wait for that moment to come around." 

Pellistri, who does not turn 21 until December, appreciates the opportunity to work at Carrington every day as he continues to learn his trade.

"Yes, it's incredible," he enthused. "Training alongside players of that class, they are top, top players and you learn a lot from them. I'm very happy to be sharing a training pitch and, of course, a dressing room with these guys.

"Of course, as a result of the language more than anything, I get on best with the lads who can speak Spanish. But the group of players, as a whole, is just fantastic and, luckily, they are nice people too."

The World Cup is often viewed as the pinnacle in every player's career and the youngster is delighted to have been regularly involved with Uruguay, as they prepare for games against South Korea, Portugal and Ghana in Group H of the finals.

"Yes, to represent your country is always the best thing there is," he smiled. "And, fortunately, I've had the chance to be in the Uruguay side and be alongside some tremendous players there too. So I'm really happy to have been given that opportunity and to be continuing to make the most of it.

"For sure, it [the World Cup] is something that you have in your mind. I'm always one for taking things on a day-to-day basis but we're getting closer and closer to the World Cup now. So you just have to keep working hard and training hard so that, if you are given the call, you make sure you get there in the best shape possible, in order to try to have a good tournament."