Facundo Pellistri has been inundated with messages of congratulations from teammates and beyond after making his competitive Manchester United debut against Charlton on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old signed from Penarol in native Uruguay in October 2020 before being loaned out to Spanish outfit Alaves the following January for 18 months. After an underwhelming spell, Pellistri featured for Erik ten Hag in pre-season but finished up by sustaining a calf injury against Atletico Madrid.
He would feature for his country at the World Cup three times before finally getting his United debut this week. The winger came on for the final six minutes in the 3-0 win over Charlton in the League Cup quarter-finals and marked the occasion by assisting Marcus Rashford’s first strike.
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Erik ten Hag said he was “really happy” with Pellistri’s performance, adding: "I see a future in him and he is doing really well and we have to see what is the best.
"He's come on and had an effect so that's the next step. I say well done, better, and keep going." Taking to Instagram post-match, Pellistri described his emotions after his competitive debut outing. He wrote: “The day has come! Happy to make my official debut!”
Praise and congratulations came in from United colleagues. Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire and Shola Shoretire all sent emojis of clapping hands and love-hearts while World Cup teammate Luis Suarez gave him two fist-pump emojis.
A number of others also took time to hail the youngster, with Bruno Fernandes suggesting his first appearance was overdue.
Zidane Iqbal: Congrats brother, you deserve it.
David de Gea: Debut (tick emoji) Assist (tick emoji).
Amad: You deserve it bro.
Lisandro Martinez: Well deserved my friend.
Alex Telles: Go on Facuuuuu.
Bruno Fernandes: You deserved it long ago.
Charlie McNeill: My guy.
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