Erik ten Hag was "pleased" with Facundo Pellistri's full debut for Manchester United in the 1-0 win against Real Betis.
Pellistri started for United 892 days after his transfer from Penarol in October 2020 in what was only his seventh appearance for the club.
The Uruguayan played the full 90 minutes in Seville and he is in contention to keep his place for the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday as Alejandro Garnacho is sidelined until April, at the earliest, and Antony missed the Betis match through illness.
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"I think he deserved to come in," Ten Hag said. "He had a good training performance, you see him progressing, getting stronger, good game against Leeds, against Betis.
"To start is more difficult, we have seen that, but when the game goes on he came in and got belief. You see his abilities, he had some good dribbles, good runs in behind, and some good crosses, defending, he did his job.
"So I am pretty pleased with his performance. For him, it is a step up. Now it’s up to him, to get rhythm and contribute to the team."
Ten Hag started Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro even though the pair were each a booking away from suspension for the quarter-final first leg.
Casemiro stayed on for the full duration against Betis and cannot play again until the quarter-final first leg on April 13 as he is about to start a four-match domestic suspension. Fernandes was taken off midway through the second half and is certain to line up again against Fulham.
"He is very strong, very good recovery," Ten Hag said of Fernandes's durability. "He is a very good athlete, he has so much energy and he can play in so many roles.
"Tactically, he is brilliant, he can play in roles and we can benefit from him. We can overload areas, we can outplay opponents, we create good situations and create chances.
"He is very important in the counter-press and pressing or transitions. He is a good example for the team. In recent weeks, he has been in brilliant form and he looks like he is getting better from game to game."
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