What Fans Are Saying About Pellistri’s Debut Performance In United’s 3-0 Win Over Charlton

Manchester United delivered a no-nonsense performance to move past Charlton Athletic and into the League Cup’s semi-finals.

Before tonight’s tie at Old Trafford, United had played five games since late December, and with the Manchester derby on the horizon this Saturday, Erik ten Hag fielded a starting lineup mixed with both experience and fresh faces against the League One side.

Antony put United ahead in the 21st minute with a beauty from outside the box. Charlton remained in the game until the last quarter, but Marcus Rashford’s introduction ended their resistance, with the man in form scoring a brace.

Ten Hag’s decision to make eight changes and give some minutes to United starlets worked well and the hosts ended the night with a 3-0 win.

Kobbie Mainoo stole the pre-match spotlight after the Dutch boss handed him his first senior start. But it was another debutant who trended after the full-time whistle.

Facundo Pellistri, who arrived in Manchester in October 2020, made his first appearance for the senior side on Tuesday night, and his cameo appearance left many wondering why he had to wait so long.

Pellestri didn't get long tonight, he could have sulked but instead came on, showed the perfect attitude and made every minute count rather than counting the minutes. That's exactly what you have to do at Utd, opportunities rarely present themselves perfectly.

— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) January 10, 2023

I have been very keen to see more of Pellistri. It would feel a shame if he leaves United without being given a proper chance. Any footballer who has already represented his nation at a World Cup by age 21 has something. As Keano says, my eyes don’t lie to me. Facundo is a player

— Jonas Hen Shrag (@JonathanShrager) January 10, 2023

Pellistri is moving me. Ball sticks to him & looks crisp with his passing & movement.

— Ali. (@UtdAlii) January 10, 2023

https://twitter.com/ImpressionistAL/status/1612932290019004417

https://twitter.com/FPellistri07/status/1612952971721199617

 

Ten Hag, in his post-match interview, praised the display of the Uruguayan talent, who picked up an assist five minutes into his debut.

He has been linked with a move away from United for some time now, but after impressing the manager and fans at the Theatre of Dreams, the 21-year-old certainly deserves more opportunities at the club. And hopefully, he will not have to wait two and half years for his next appearance.