Facundo Pellistri made his Europa League debut one to remember with a brief but impressive cameo against Real Betis.
Pellistri entered the game in the 82nd minute with the score at 3-1, and by the 83rd, he had helped make it 4-1.
The young Uruguayan played a crucial role in Wout Weghorst’s first Old Trafford goal. He motored to the byline to put in a cross, struck by Scott McTominay, with the Dutch striker burying the rebound.
Pellistri demonstrated a combination of speed, close control and directness, knowing exactly what he wanted to do when he got the ball.
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Pellistri praised
One of our post-match conclusions was that Facundo Pellistri needs more game time. This was just his fifth appearance, with most of them just a few minutes at the end of games.
He already has one assist to his name in the Carabao Cup, and he got in behind the defence twice more late against Real Betis.
BT Sport pundit and former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves was impressed with his combination of speed and directness.
He said: “I was amazed how quick he was. He just gets on the right side, old school, sprints past you. Other wingers take a lot of touches.
“That was a brilliant cameo. United fans would like to see a lot more of him.”
Pellistri does offer a different stylistic option. While Antony prefers to cut inside, Pellistri likes to keep the ball on his right foot and put crosses in.
There may be an opportunity for Pellistri to even start in the second leg, with Manchester United 4-1 up. He has played in Spain previously with Alaves and will know what to expect.
Beforehand, he may even have earned minutes in the Premier League against Southampton this Sunday.