After a difficult 2023/24 club season at two different clubs, one Manchester United youngster has the stage that suits him best.
Over in the USA at the Copa America, Facundo Pellistri has helped Uruguay get off to a strong start.
The South American side won 3-1 against Panama, with Pellistri’s performance the subject of praise in his homeland.
Pellistri is a regular starter for Uruguay and earned his 20th international cap during the victory.
Valverde praises Pellistri
Facundo Pellistri, 22, is now a key part of the Uruguay team, with manager Marcelo Bielsa taking a real liking to him.
Pellistri has also by now also earned the respect of the more seasoned professionals in the squad, now slightly depleted by Edinson Cavani’s international retirement.
The Manchester United winger sent a message out on Instagram, which read: “first mission accomplished, let’s go for the next one 🎮 thanks to all the people who were there.”
The respect earned by Pellistri was summed up in a message from his international teammate Federico Valverde, now a two-times Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
Valverde, who also began his career with Penarol, wrote in response: “Que bestia”, translating as ‘what a beast’.
Pellistri showed how happy he was with the message by leaving a heart emoji in response.
Facundo Pellistri has big chance with Uruguay
Facundo Pellistri made his first start for Uruguay in early 2022 before he made his first start for Manchester United, which came in 2023.
Pellistri played more at the start of the 2023/24 season for United than he ever had done before, but he could not win over Erik ten Hag.
He was sent out on loan to Granada, which proved a thankless task, with the La Liga strugglers on course for relegation before he arrived.
While he provided a few flashes of quality, including a goal and assist in the Nou Camp against Barcelona, it was a difficult loan, where his manager was fired after a couple of months.
He will eventually return to United for pre-season, but in the meantime, his United spot has been taken by Amad. The Copa America may end up putting him in the shop window for his eventual exit.