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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Facundo Pellistri gives Erik ten Hag verdict as he recalls 'incredible' Manchester United moment

Facundo Pellistri has been using the "incredible" feeling of making his Manchester United debut as daily motivation to improve.

Pellistri made his United debut in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Charlton in January, coming on as a late substitute at Old Trafford and setting up Marcus Rashford to score. The 21-year-old looked electric in his short cameo and showed composure beyond his years in playing his in-form teammate in to chip home.

Chances to replicate that feeling have been few and far between, with the Uruguayan limited to just three further appearances off the bench in all competitions, but the feeling of stepping out onto the Old Trafford turf remains an "incredible" memory and motivation to keep pushing for more opportunities.

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“It was incredible because I had been looking forward to that moment for a long time," Pellistri told United's in-house media. “I was the one who enjoyed being on the pitch and wearing the Manchester United shirt and luckily there were 10 minutes more or less and I could touch the ball a lot and make that assist for Rashford.

“So it was a very good moment, perfect, and it is a night I’m going to remember. Every time I train, every time I play a game I will remember that night because it was incredible.”

Pellistri will always have Erik ten Hag to thank for handing him the debut moment he so fondly remembers, and the Dutchman's management of young and raw talent such as himself and Alejandro Garnacho has been a pillar of a standout season.

The former Penarol starlet has praised the clarity the United boss has brought to the club, adding that his mentality has been a huge boost.

“It’s incredible [to be managed by Ten Hag]," the winger added. "He has a very good mentality. In the first days he arrived here, he was very clear with his ideas and I think we are looking [like we understand his ideas] on the pitch every match.

“He has the clear idea, he is telling you all the time things you have to improve and I think that’s the way we can get to the top. The training is good, the mentality is good and I think the manager and all the staff are here to make things better and hopefully it continues like this.”

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