The Uruguayan international, who signed with United in October 2020, just made his senior debut in January. He played in two more games the previous season.
The 21-year-old Pellistri has made eight appearances so far this season, beginning in September’s Champions League opening between United and Bayern Munich and continuing with the Carabao Cup triumph against Crystal Palace. In his six Premier League games, he has started all but one as a substitute.
This season, there’s an opening on the right side of United’s attack with Antony finding it difficult to play and Jadon Sancho remaining out of favor and likely heading out of Old Trafford following his fallout with the boss.
Amad Diallo, who shone on loan at Sunderland last season, is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in pre-season.
Not in form Although he has started the last three games for United on the right, Marcus Rashford prefers his customary position on the left.
Ten Hag feels that Pellistri needs to step up and take ownership of the right flank position after Kobbie Mainoo immediately made an impression on the starting lineup against Everton.
“Pella needs to advance from being a bench player who frequently makes an impact to [being] a starting player,” ten Hag stated at a press conference held prior to United’s crucial victory over Galatasaray.
“We’ll see how fast that process moves along.”
Pellistri, who played the last eighteen minutes against Everton on Sunday, will be hoping for additional playing time coming up to the holidays.
This week, United will travel to Newcastle United on Saturday night and Galatasaray on Wednesday for two more crucial away games.
Ramus Hojlund, who injured his hamstring before the international break, has returned to training, so Ten Hag will have him ready for both matches.
Both Antony and the Denmark international are included in the roster for tomorrow night’s game in Tukey.