Pellistri understands pre-season remit

The Uruguay international has been involved in our pre-season campaigns for the last two summers, with last year’s tour signalling the start of the forward’s first full season with the Reds.

After representing his country in the 2022 FIFA World Cup last winter, Pellistri made 10 appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side in the second half of 2022/23, as we fought on four fronts for so long in what was an intense, 62-game season.

Pellistri therefore understands that the tone for the season ahead must be set during pre-season, to ensure the Reds can compete for top honours this term.

"Being here in a tour, it’s very important because pre-seasons are the time when you have to prepare for a whole season," said the 21-year-old during an exclusive interview alongside team-mate Alvaro Fernandez.

"Of course, we are training so hard, sometimes too much! But it’s very important because that’s the only way we can achieve big things.

"If you don’t train hard in pre-season then it’s impossible. We are training very hard, and trying to have fun."

Facundo had two loan spells with Alaves in La Liga prior to last term, which he has credited with helping him to develop as a player.

Having since enjoyed a taste of Premier League action – making four appearances off the bench in the competition last season – the Uruguayan also assessed the differences between the Spanish and English top tiers, as he targets more domestic outings for the Reds in the next year.

"Going to La Liga, in my case, was a good experience because it helped me to develop a bit more as a player and to understand more [about] how European football is.

"Now I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world. So, of course, loans are good.

"Here in the Premier League, it’s more dynamic. But experience is very important and you gain different types of experiences, that then you can put together and improve."

Having been involved in Tour 2022, Pellstri reflected on that experience and a key takeaway of how strong United’s support is on a global scale.

"When you go away from home, you see all the fans every time around and outside the hotels, outside the stadiums, and you realise how big United is.

"It’s important for me to sometimes to leave home to go somewhere else and see all the fans United have everywhere. We are looking forward to play these matches for all the fans that live here in the United States."

Next on the agenda in Tour 2023 is our match against Borussia Dortmund at the Allegiant Stadium on Monday 31 July. Kick-off is set for 02:00 BST and you can watch the action live on MUTV.