Pellistri discusses his adaptation at United
Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri is delighted to be off the mark for his new club as he settles into life in England.
The Uruguayan, signed from Penarol on the final day of the transfer window, showed composure to find the net in the Under-23s' 3-1 win over Southampton on Friday night, and is learning how to deal with a new style of football.
He is working hard on the training ground with Neil Wood's side and could feature in Tuesday night's Papa John's Trophy tie at Accrington Stanley, which would provide more valuable education for the teenager.
Pellistri's maiden goal
See how Facundo Pellistri found the net for the first time in a United shirt as the U23s now lead 2-1...
“I'm really happy with the team,” Pellistri told us. “The intensity was very good and, luckily, we take this match as it was very hard. But I'm very happy with that.
“It was amazing [to score]. I was really looking forward to this goal. It is my first goal and I'm really happy with it. Hopefully, more are coming.
“I'm settling in much better. I am enjoying my time here in Manchester, in this club - with the Under-23s and with the first-team. My team-mates are very kind with me and this is a very important reason why I am feeling much better with my performances and life here.”
Accrington are seventh in League One, after a 2-1 win over MK Dons at the weekend, and will be tough opponents with the young Reds needing to learn lessons from the 4-0 defeat at Morecambe last time out in the competition, albeit when qualification from the group was already assured.
With a lot of focus on the first-team out in Leipzig, there is a good opportunity for Wood's side to show the sort of Premier League 2 form that has been impressing all observers, with keeper Paul Woolston among the star performers in Friday's victory over Southampton.
"It was one of those games," he told us afterwards. "It wasn't the prettiest but we dug in really well and deserved three points in the end. Coming back from the poor result at West Ham, I think it showed a lot of character from the lads.
"It's totally different every week for us but is part of the development and our learning. Southampton had a few experienced players but we dealt with it well.
“I'm still trying to find that clean sheet, all goalkeepers are not happy if they come off without one but it was another win, which is more important. I was pleased with it but there are always a few things that could be better."
The tie must be decided on the night at the Crown Ground, with penalties taking place in the 19:00 GMT kick-off, if required. We'll have highlights on ManUtd.com and the Official App on Wednesday.