Yahoo Sports Food for thought for Erik ten Hag as United star notches two goal contributions in Copa America thrashing
Manchester United are yet to make a concrete decision on where Facundo Pellistri’s future lies, so there’s a chance he could play himself into Erik ten Hag’s plans with his performances at Copa America this summer.
He’s certainly starting off on the right foot, too.
While Pellistri has struggled in his quests to nail down a starting role at Old Trafford, game time has come significantly easier in the Uruguay national team. He made his debut in January 2022 at 20 years old under then-head coach Diego Alonso and has since retained his place in the squad each international break.
This time around, he was trusted by Marcelo Bielsa to play a key role for his nation as they embarked on their Copa America journey.
As such, the winger played the full 90 minutes in their tournament opener against Panama in the early hours of Monday, which saw Uruguay claim a comfortable 3-1 victory despite a late goal from Michael Murillo.
Pellistri proceeded to notch two goal contributions in their second group-stage victory: a 5-0 thrashing over Bolivia. He opened the scoring inside 10 minutes to register his first-ever goal for Uruguay, heading home from an early, scrappy chance at the MetLife Stadium.
Facundo Pellistri 🫡 pic.twitter.com/jFrglinnKV
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) June 28, 2024
In the closing stages of the tie, while Bielsa’s men were cruising with a 3-0 lead, Pellistri assisted Federico Valverde after playing a quick one-two with the Real Madrid talisman.
United’s Academy graduate won 100 per cent of tackles attempted, created two chances, won four ball recoveries and four duels, and recorded an 86 per cent passing accuracy.
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