Facundo Pellistri is showing Erik ten Hag he can give Manchester United something Antony can’t
After starting just one of Manchester United’s last three Premier League matches, Erik ten Hag looks to be starting to realise that Antony isn’t where the Reds need him to be right now. Without a goal since April and without an assist since May, it has become increasingly difficult for the Dutchman to justify continuing to include his most expensive signing in his first-choice starting line-up. He has made 12 appearances so far this season and not one of them has suggested that he is about to turn a corner.
Antony[1], for all of his flicks and tricks, lacks the creativity and goal threat that a winger needs to survive in the Premier League[2]. Countless players, signed for peanuts in comparison to his GBP85.5million fee, have offered far more than he has.
His last league start, which was awarded to him on the banks of the Thames against Fulham at Craven Cottage on November 4, was brought to an end after 63 minutes.
It resulted in the United[5] fans housed in the away end letting out one of their biggest cheers of the afternoon. That was a sign of just how frustrated United’s fans have become with the 23-year-old, who, as a result of his uninspiring showing against the Cottagers, was relegated back to the bench for the visit of Luton Town to Old Trafford[6] the following weekend. Had Marcus Rashford not missed the trip to Craven Cottage, though, Antony probably would have started that one on the bench as well.
But despite the former Ajax winger’s ongoing struggles, Ten Hag has so far refused to turn to Facundo Pellistri[7] and offer him the opportunity to make the right-wing berth his own. The Uruguayan, who joined United from Penarol in 2020, has made just seven appearances so far this term, making three starts. Two of those three starts were handed to him in the space of just five days, starting the back-to-back home clashes with Crystal Palace in September.
After completing the full 90 against the Londoners in the Carabao Cup victory, he was hauled off after 61 minutes in the league meeting a few days later. As he had demonstrated on previous starts, he failed to have the same influence on proceedings as he had previously as an impact player. Pellistri made a telling impact off the bench last season, increasing calls from supporters for Ten Hag[8] to give him a chance from the off.
But with Pellistri having demonstrated that he is more fruitful as an impact player, you can understand Ten Hag’s decision to refrain from starting him in recent weeks. However, after the way he impacted proceedings at Fulham, showing tremendous levels of perseverance to force the opening for Bruno Fernandes’ winner, he is worthy of another shot as a starter, particularly after producing two impressive performances for Uruguay during the international break.
Facundo Pellistri will be hoping for a starting berth against Everton. (Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images.)
After helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side beat Argentina 2-0, Pellistri, four days later, provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Bolivia. He teed up Darwin Nunez as a result of driving for the byline and cutting the ball back into a dangerous area.
His dribbling ability and end product are just two assets that make him an appealing option. And Ten Hag admitted in the build-up to the defeat to Palace on September 30 that he had awarded him a second start in five days because of his ability to influence attacking scenarios. Asked what he wanted to see from Pellistri, Ten Hag said: “A little bit similar from his appearance in the last game.
He is quick, speedy, and he’s also a good dribbler. He is reliable and I hope he can transfer his threat into assists and goals.” Since making that admission, the 21-year-old, both for club and country, has demonstrated that his determination and willingness can lead to goals being scored.
He is a throwback winger who concentrates on providing for those waiting inside the penalty area, as opposed to trying to do everything himself with fancy flicks and tricks. Though Pellistri is yet to make a telling contribution as a starter in United colours, he has only previously had four opportunities to do so. You cannot use such a small sample size as a fair judgement.
As with any player, Pellistri should improve with the more opportunities he receives. Bielsa is making the most of his talents at international level and Ten Hag ought to start doing the same. With Antony’s fortunes showing no signs of changing, Pellistri deserves the opportunity to try and make the right-wing his own.
Sunday’s trip to Everton should be another audition for him.
References
- ^ Antony (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Premier League (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ UEFA confirm length of Marcus Rashford’s Champions League ban (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Latest United injury news ahead of Everton trip (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ United (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Old Trafford (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Facundo Pellistri (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Ten Hag (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)