Facundo Pellistri reacts to first United goal
Facundo Pellistri is thoroughly enjoying the intensity of Manchester United's pre-season training as the young Uruguayan looks to push on this season.
The 19-year-old scored his first goal for the club in Sunday afternoon's 2-1 friendly victory against Derby County.
Pellistri signed for the Reds from Penarol last summer and enjoyed a good loan spell at Deportivo Alaves before returning to United for pre-season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suggested another temporary spell could be on the cards, but Pellistri says he's loving the intensity of United's training sessions, with plenty of talented youngsters all looking to make an impression.
"There are a lot of young talents," he told MUTV after Sunday's game.
"All the guys want to improve. The training is really hard and I'm very happy with that because young guys are trying their best and looking for a place in the first team.
"I went on loan to Alaves [last season] and I felt good. Now I'm here, trying my best, I'm always pushing forward to be the best I can. I'm always working hard."
Pellistri was a half-time substitute at Pride Park and was the bright spark of the whole afternoon. Few other players excited the travelling United fans as much as him.
Pellistri explains Derby goal in excellent English
Facundo talks us through his goal against Derby - in excellent English! - and looks ahead to our training camp...
"Obviously it was a hard match because in pre-season the matches are always very hard," Pellistri said.
"We have to play well, I think we did it, and we won, and that is very important.
"It was really hot. In the pre-season, over the last few weeks, it was raining, so we weren't so used to this sun! But we brought a lot of water, we prepared well before and the sun is for both teams, so it's not an excuse."
As for his goal, Pellistri was pleased with the finish, but unfazed by the experience of netting for United's first team for the first time.
Watch Pellistri's goal
Facundo Pellistri starred in United's pre-season campaign, scoring this goal against Derby in July...
"I came into the middle," he recalled, "asking Shola for the ball. He saw me really well, I controlled and when I saw the goalkeeper [coming out], I tried to go one way and I scored."
A loan move is likely for Pellistri, with plenty of clubs already asking about his availability for the season, but for now, the 19-year-old will stick around with United ahead of Saturday's game away at Queen's Park Rangers. He's looking forward to it.
"Being together in hotels is always very good - to chat with your friends, to be with your mates," he explained.
"I think it's very positive this and we are looking forward to this week, it's going to be very hard."