Facundo Pellistri is set for another Manchester United chance after being named on the bench vs Southampton.
The Uruguayan youngster, signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has played only 86 minutes this season, with just over 30 of those coming in the Premier League. Pellistri has been at Old Trafford since 2020 but is still waiting on his first senior start.
Erik ten Hag recently admitted that his continued omission from the first-team picture was “not totally justified” due to his impressive performances during training. "He is the example by deserving his position by performance on the training [ground]," the United boss explained.
“I said the other day, I did not select him for Liverpool and it was not even totally justified because he was training that well.”
The 21-year-old was given a cameo in the Europa League win over Real Betis in week and was singled out by Ten Hag for his impact. He added: “What impressed me was he came on and, straight [away], showed himself.
“When they came on, Scott [McTominay] and Pelli, it was 3-1 but 4-1 is huge, to make the extra goal. In the first moment, they did, which was brilliant."
And Ten hag has delivered on his promise by including him in the matchday squad to take on the Saints at Old Trafford. The next few months look set to be pivotal for Pellistri, with speculation that he is looking to leave.
The player’s agent seemed to hint that an exit could come in January’s transfer window, with Edgardo Lasalvia telling ESPN: "I think that with a good World Cup, as we think it will have, his departure is imminent.”
Pellistri himself admitted that this season was all about finally earning regular minutes after a slow start to life in European football. "This year is very important both at club and national team level," he said in July.
"You have to be ready for everything and prepare well. I want to have the maximum continuity of minutes to try to arrive well.”
The Red Devils are looking to bounce back in the Premier League after their humiliating 7-0 loss to Liverpool last time out. There are two changes from that humbling, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka coming in for Diogo Dalot and Jadon Sancho replacing Fred.
That second swap seems to point towards skipper Bruno Fernandes playing in a deeper role, with Sancho, Antony and Marcus Rashford supporting lone striker Wout Weghorst.
Anthony Martial continues to be absent, with the Frenchman left out despite returning to training this week. Weghorst will lead the line again as he looks for a first league goal, having scored against Betis on Thursday.
United go into Sunday’s game a point clear of fourth-placed Tottenham, albeit having played two games fewer than Antonio Conte’s side. It also marks their final league game this month, with an FA Cup quarter final against Fulham next weekend before the break for international football.
