Facundo Pellistri Shirt number 28On loan
Not playingFacundo Pellistri Quote
- Age20
- 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.
- Position
Midfielder
- Country
Uruguay
- Date of birth
20 Dec 2001
- Joined
5 Oct 2020
LatestView More
'United the best option for every player'
ArticleDiego Forlan would not hesitate recommending a transfer to Old Trafford for any footballer.
- Apr '22published time Apr 22News
Pellistri to miss Uruguay’s final qualifier
ArticleThe United loanee impressed on international duty last week but has been denied a chance to do so again.
- Mar '22published time Mar 22News
Cavani and Pellistri sparkle for Uruguay
ArticleEdi scores a bicycle kick while Pellistri dazzles on the wing in the World Cup qualifiers.
- Feb '22published time Feb 22Match Coverage
Internationals: Reds pair make senior debuts
ArticleIt was a momentous day for Facundo Pellistri and Zidane Iqbal, but how did their sides fare?
- Jan '22published time Jan 22News
January's international break explained
ArticleWhy are United not in action until next Friday and which seven players are now away with their countries?
- Jan '22published time Jan 22News
Forlan preaches patience with Pellistri
ArticleEx-Reds striker Diego tells us that time is on the side of his fellow Uruguayan.
- Jan '22published time Jan 22News
Loan Watch: Garner features in cup shock
ArticleThere was valuable FA Cup experience for our loanees, while two Reds defenders made debuts for their temporary clubs.
- Jan '22published time Jan 22News
Galbraith's first goal is a cracker
ArticleSee how Ethan opened his account in league football with a rocket for Doncaster Rovers.
- Oct '21published time Oct 21Features
Watch all 10 of United's pre-season goals
VideoWatch our pre-season goals by Chong, Pellistri, Lingard, Elanga (2), Andreas, Greenwood, Maguire, Fernandes & Dalot...
- Aug '21published time Aug 21Match Highlights
Loan move secured for Pellistri
ArticleThe young winger will continue his development on loan, after a positive pre-season with United.
- Aug '21published time Aug 21News
Pellistri reacts to first United goal
ArticleThe Uruguayan netted against Derby and is enjoying the 'hard' pre-season training.
- Jul '21published time Jul 21News
Pellistri explains Derby goal in excellent English
VideoFacundo talks us through his goal against Derby - in excellent English! - and looks ahead to our training camp...
- Jul '21published time Jul 21Interviews
Derby County 1 United 2
VideoThe Reds' 2021/22 pre-season campaign kicked-off with a trip to Pride Park to face Wayne Rooney's Rams...
- Jul '21published time Jul 21Match Highlights
Ole reacts to Derby victory
ArticleThe boss spoke about Chong, Pellistri and the start of the Premier League season.
- Jul '21published time Jul 21News
Watch Pellistri's goal
VideoFacundo Pellistri starred in United's pre-season campaign, scoring this goal against Derby in July...
- Jul '21published time Jul 21Video