Pellistri makes his debut in La Liga

The young Uruguayan came on after 57 minutes as part of a double substitution as Alaves were beaten 4-0 by United's Europa League opponents Real Sociedad.

He had been an unused sub for the games against Real Valladolid and Barcelona so this was an opportunity to get a first taste of action in Spain's top flight. Pellistri showed an eagerness to get on the ball and drive at defenders from a position wide on the right flank, even if it was a difficult afternoon for a team hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.

“I think the language was an attraction, even though he speaks good English,” Academy player performance manager Les Parry explained to us recently. “I spoke to the director of football and he said Facundo has settled really well. 

“I think it worked quite well really. He's come into the club, got to know people and played for our Under-23s quite a lot. He's looked comfortable and, if he'd stayed, he'd either be getting Under-23s minutes, which he's already had quite a few of, or be round about the first team but not quite getting many minutes. 

“So it was a good decision by the manager to accelerate his development by putting him out into what is one of the best leagues in the world.”

Alaves, who are currently in 16th place and one point clear of the relegation zone, are at home to Osasuna on Saturday.

The chance to compete in the division will surely be extremely beneficial to Pellistri, who is getting used to the European game after arriving from South America.