- Age21
- Appearances
Updating
28
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
TeamViewer Diaries: Facundo Pellistri
VideoTeamViewer Diaries | Facundo Pellistri discusses Uruguayan inspirations and progressing with United…
- 1 dpublished time 1 day agoVideo
Pellistri's two 'incredible' Uruguayan influences
ArticleFacundo highlights a pair of goalscoring compatriots while discussing those who have made an impression on his journey.
- 1 dpublished time 1 day agoInterviews
What it’s like to score for United
VideoFacundo Pellistri recalls his last-minute goal for the Reds against Athletic Club in Dublin…
- 1 dpublished time 1 day agoVideo
Forlan’s influence on Pellistri
VideoFacundo Pellistri remembers how important a role Diego Forlan played in his early career…
- 2dpublished time 2 day agoVideo
Ten Hag explains Pellistri start
ArticleThe boss gives the reasons why he has opted to hand Facundo a Champions League debut.
- 3dpublished time 3 day agoNews
Pellistri excited for European experience
ArticleFacundo is thrilled to potentially play in the Champions League, where his idols showed their quality.
- 5dpublished time 5 day agoNews
Pellistri: We are in touch every day
VideoFacundo Pellistri discusses his message from Erik ten Hag as he hopes to make his mark...
- 1wpublished time 1 week agoInterviews
International Reds: The full round-up
ArticleMany United players are set to return from September's qualifiers and friendlies with a spring in their step.
- 1wpublished time 1 week agoFeatures
Pellistri's Mexican master plan
ArticleFacundo tells us why he had to spend the summer preparing for the Premier League season.
- 1wpublished time 1 week agoInterviews
Is Pellistri in the frame to face Brighton?
ArticleThe visit of the Seagulls and the composition of our starting XI generated some discussion on The Debate.
- 1wpublished time 1 week agoNews
Reds represent nations in Saturday's matches
ArticleUnited’s players have been involved in qualifying fixtures for the Euros and the World Cup.
- 2wpublished time 2 week agoNews
Who is playing on international duty?
ArticleFind out which Reds are competing in the upcoming fixtures.
- 2wpublished time 2 week agoFeatures
Pellistri: United is like Harvard
ArticleOur Uruguayan winger says he learned so much from staying at Old Trafford last season.
- Aug '23published time Aug 23News
Forlan's hopes for Pellistri
ArticleEx-Red Diego Forlan is keen to see his fellow Uruguayan given more opportunities at Old Trafford.
- Aug '23published time Aug 23Interviews
Full 90: United v Athletic Club
VideoFull 90 | Here's your chance to watch all of our final pre-season match, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin...
- Aug '23published time Aug 23Match Highlights