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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Steven Railston

Manchester United's Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri impress as Uruguay win World Cup qualifier

Manchester United's Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri played a key role in Uruguay's win over Venezuela on Tuesday night

Pellistri has struggled for game time on loan at Alaves this season, recording just 679 minutes of football across 19 appearances all campaign in La Liga, but the winger was still called up to Uruguay's squad for his nations World Cup Qualifiers last week.

That decision was viewed as dubious by some back in Pellistri's homeland of Uruguay, but the call paid dividends on Tuesday.

Uruguay beat Venezuela 4-1 on Tuesday night and Pellistri's assist for the second goal was through a moment of brilliance.

Receiving the ball on the right, Pellistri was surrounded by four Venezuela defenders, yet he managed to eventually fashion a pocket of space after gliding forward past the opposition to provide his nation with an easy chance to double their lead.

Cavani then gave Uruguay a three-goal lead just before half-time with a trademark poachers finish into an unguarded net. Cavani will now return to Carrington to join his teammates in training as preparation begins to play Middlesbrough on Friday.

Pellistri will return to Alaves, where he will be hoping to enjoy more minutes on the pitch in the second half of the season.

United considered terminating Pellistri's loan contract in January after the winger attracted interest from Championship clubs.

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