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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Facundo Pellistri sends Erik ten Hag message over Manchester United game time

Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri has insisted that he is 'eager' to play a role for the club this season under manager Erik ten Hag.

The Uruguayan made the United bench for the first time in a Premier League match at the weekend, with Ten Hag's men suffering a 6-3 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Antony and Anthony Martial (two) scored consolation goals in the second period against Pep Guardiola's side, but hat-tricks from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden condemned United to defeat.

Although the 20-year-old did not get on against the reigning champions, he might be presented with an opportunity to feature for the first-team in the busy month ahead - with United having eight more matches in October.

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United also have an EFL Cup tie against Aston Villa in November, so Pellistri will be hopeful of making his competitive debut before the season pauses for the World Cup in Qatar. Pellistri — who arrived at the club in 2020 from Penarol — has claimed that he is excited about being involved with the first-team at Old Trafford, insisting that he is ready to play whenever required.

"Now in Manchester will have an important string of games, so I also hope to get minutes at the club," Pellistri said to ESPN Argentina.

"Erik ten Hag is a good coach, with a very clear idea; I really want to start participating in the team."

The 20-year-old scored in the pre-season win over Liverpool and also featured against Atletico Madrid, before picking up an injury. He returned to action for Uruguay last week, playing 45 minutes against Iran.

However, he did warn that he is not yet fully fit and suggested that it will take time to fully recover from his last set-back.

"I already feel good, I am not 100 per cent yet because these injuries take time. But I’m still very happy with how I felt," Pellistri added.

Pellistri is expected to be included in the Uruguay squad for the World Cup, and has admitted that even he is surprised by his rise through the ranks.

He continued: "If a year ago they told me that I was going to have this present in the National Team, obviously I would not believe it, things happen very quickly and sometimes life surprises you with many things.

"You always dream of the World Cup, but I always say that you have to go step by step."

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