Pellistri may get chance to shine

WHEN Facundo Pellistri was mentioned during a press conference at Carrington last season, a journalist in the background could be seen turning to his colleague and asking, "Who?"

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

A dozen appearances in three years, all of them in one calendar year and only one start, does not equate to a success. Nobody is dismissing Pellistri as a failure, either.

Pellistri assisted Marcus Rashford on his debut against Charlton, created an opportunity for Wout Weghorst at Nottingham Forest, had pivotal roles in goals against Leeds and Real Betis. He smuggled the ball to Tyrell Malacia for what could have been a tie-killing goal with United 2-0 up in their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla. They lost 5-2 on aggregate.

There have been pre-season goals from Derby to Dublin, via Bangkok. Whenever Pellistri appears for United, he tends to make things happen.

A likeable lad with an unfussy haircut and an excellent speaker, it is easy to warm to Pellistri. He has exuded warmth in the two mixed zones he has stopped in, both after starts.

His only competitive start was in Seville - against Real Betis when United were as good as through in the Europa League, 4-1 up from the first leg. That full debut came 892 days into Pellistri's United career.