Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that he 'sees a future' at Old Trafford for Facundo Pellistri.
The 21-year-old finally made his first-team debut for the Red Devils on Tuesday evening, featuring as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
The attacker impressed during his time on the field and set up Marcus Rashford for the game's second goal in the latter stages of the match.
Speaking after the last-eight affair, Ten Hag praised the Uruguay international's performance and insisted that the forward is in his plans for the future despite a host of speculation surrounding a potential exit.
"I see a future in him. He is doing really well and we have to see what is the best [for him]. He is progressing. Against Everton [in a behind-closed doors friendly], I was really happy with his performance," Ten Hag told reporters.
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"I was happy with his performance at the World Cup, so his progress is really good and now he is coming on and has an effect. So that's the next step that I say: 'well done Pelli, keep going'.
"I mentioned already Pellistri came on and it was a debut. It was not long but he was really lively, some good actions and also the assist on the second goal."
Pellistri was in action for Uruguay at the 2022 World Cup, featuring on three occasions at the competition, starting two of his national side's three Group H matches against South Korea and Ghana.
The forward made the move to Man United from Penarol in August 2020, but he has thus far struggled to make the breakthrough into the first team, spending two separate loan spells at Alaves during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns.
Pellistri has been on the bench for seven Premier League matches this season and will now be bidding to make the squad against Manchester City in the league on Saturday.
the day has come! 🤯
— Facu Pellistri (@FPellistri07) January 10, 2023
happy to make my official debut! ♥️ pic.twitter.com/V9vcEyXM5M
"I said before we have to reach the semi-finals and we did the job. We had to finish the game early on but, in the end, the objective was getting to the semi-final so compliments to the team," Ten Hag added when asked about progressing in the EFL Cup.
"The only thing I'm not happy with is we had to finish the game early on, finish the scoring chances or take an extra pass.
"I think we had great chances with Diogo Dalot and Fred, with the free-kick. We had good opportunities, especially on the left side, also on the right side.
"Alejandro Garnacho created a lot, there was also a great save from the goalie, don't forget, at the end. We didn't allow them too much and, if there was something, Tom Heaton was there."
Antony opened the scoring against Charlton before Rashford scored a late double for the Red Devils.
Matt Law
