- Age22
- Appearances
Updating
![FacundoPellistri](http://assets.manutd.com/AssetPicker/images/0/0/20/88/1333348/28-Facundo-Pellistri1719823226809.png)
Biography
Born in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, Pellistri is an exciting winger with bags of potential, who has been described as a ‘rascal’ on the pitch.
He spent his junior career with La Picada and River Plate Montevideo before linking up with Penarol in 2018, earning a senior debut under former Reds striker and 2010 World Cup Golden Ball-winner Diego Forlan at the tender age of 17, in a game against Defensor Sporting in August 2019. Forlan counted upon the wide man, who made 20 appearances throughout the campaign, and the teenager even obtained the no.10 shirt before Diego left the club in September 2020. Quickly becoming a key man for Penarol, his surging runs and impressive acceleration earned enormous respect. “Pellistri has huge potential,” Forlan said earlier this year.”There is still a lot to work on. He is growing and he makes the difference. We know it will be difficult to keep him for a long time. He has great pace and that is hard to handle.” Another admirer of the youngster is ex-Barcelona star Juan Roman Riquelme who commented: “He is young and talented, he hasn't played that much but you can see he is a real rascal with the ball at his feet. And that is important. There aren't many like him around, who have the courage to be so cheeky on the pitch. That is highly valuable.” Former Lyon midfielder Juninho Pernambucano, who is still working at the club, spoke of the French side’s interest in his talents, earlier this year, and explained: “He already has experience, because to be a starter at Penarol at the age of 18 is not easy. I have played a few times over there and it is a violent league. At 18, he is handling himself.” Pellistri is said to have idolised Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and he clearly loves to dribble and take on defenders, but also has the ethos to track back and work hard for the team. Although ostensibly a right-winger, he can operate on either flank and use his pace to good effect. After proving his talent and character with los Carboneros, including competing in the Copa Libertadores, the winger has moved to Manchester to follow in the footsteps of his former coach Forlan. Following a successful spell with the Under-23s, getting used to life in English football, he moved to Alaves on loan in January to further his education of the European game. After taking part in United's pre-season friendlies, he rejoined the Basque club for the 2021/22 season and received a major boost when making his senior international debut in January 2022. He was selected to start a key World Cup qualifier against Paraguay and helped his team win 1-0, before enjoying an excellent performance on the right wing in the 4-1 triumph over Venezuela. The winger made 23 appearances in all competitions for Alaves in 2021/22, with the majority coming from the bench. After featuring in the first 13 matches of the Spanish top-flight season, Pellistri saw fewer minutes in the latter stages of the competition. Despite this, he established himself as a regular for Uruguay. Pellistri played 10 times for Erik ten Hag's side in 2022/23, being handed his senior debut when he came off the bench in the second half of United's 3-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Charlton Athletic in January 2023, contributing an assist. This followed the winger's 2022 World Cup campaign with Uruguay in Qatar, and he was handed his first senior start for United in March. Pellistri was selected in the XI for the second leg of our Europa League last-16 tie against Real Betis, and made a handful of substitute appearances for the Reds between this and the end of the season.
- Position
Midfielder
- Country
Uruguay
- Date of birth
20 Dec 2001
- Joined
5 Oct 2020
LatestView More
Pellistri reaches Copa America semis
ArticleFacundo helped his nation reach the last four by beating Brazil on penalties.
- 2wpublished time 2 week agoNews
Copa America quarter-finals confirmed
ArticleThe Reds trio in the United States know what's up next, as the group stage concludes.
- 3wpublished time 3 week agoNews
Watch Pellistri's goal as Uruguay beat Bolivia
ArticleSee how Facundo set his national side on their way to an emphatic victory at Copa America 2024.
- Jun '24published time Jun 24News
Guide to Reds at Copa America
ArticleThree United men are competing in the big tournament, which starts on Friday.
- Jun '24published time Jun 24News
Eriksen's emotional moment
ArticleChristian was one of four Reds in action on Wednesday night – find out how they all fared.
- Jun '24published time Jun 24News
Pellistri scores for Granada
ArticleFacundo netted in a key win for the Spanish side in La Liga on Sunday.
- Apr '24published time Apr 24News
How Pellistri stunned Barcelona
ArticleFacundo is showing his quality during his loan spell with Granada in La Liga.
- Feb '24published time Feb 24News
Pellistri seals loan move
ArticleFacundo is embarking on a third stint in La Liga, after a deal is agreed.
- Jan '24published time Jan 24News
Pellistri's inspirational advice
ArticleFacundo passes on his top tip to young footballers in our latest Fans' Q&A.
- Jan '24published time Jan 24News
Why 17 February is a date in Pellistri's diary
ArticleFacundo says he is eagerly anticipating Ilia Topuria's next scheduled fight.
- Jan '24published time Jan 24Features
Fans' Q&A: Facundo Pellistri
VideoFans’ Q&A | Facundo Pellistri reveals his favourite movie, love for boxing, most memorable game and more…
- Jan '24published time Jan 24Video
Pellistri: Attitude and belief is key
VideoFacundo Pellistri looks back on some big moments in his United career so far, before previewing our Boxing Day game...
- Dec '23published time Dec 23Video
Pellistri can handle the pressure
ArticleFacundo explains to United Review how he remains calm and composed when called upon by Erik ten Hag.
- Dec '23published time Dec 23Interviews
Pellistri: What Christmas is like in Uruguay
VideoFacundo Pellistri explains how he celebrated Christmas growing up in Uruguay, and how it differs here in Manchester...
- Dec '23published time Dec 23Video
Pellistri: Ronaldo number link is special
ArticleFacundo tells us why he loves wearing no.28 at United during his upcoming Fans' Q&A.
- Dec '23published time Dec 23News