Manchester United didn’t land Jadon Sancho on transfer deadline day, much to the disappointment of their supporters.But the club are very excited by 18-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri, who arrived on October 5 along with Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles.Their excitement will have increased after hearing Argentinian legend Juan Roman Riquelme’s assessment of the teenager.“He is young and talented,” Riquelme said, per United’s website.“He hasn't played that much but you can see he is a real rascal with the ball at his feet. And that is important.”“There aren't many like him around, who have the courage to be so cheeky on the pitch.”
United had scouted Pellistri for a long time while he developed in Uruguay with Club Atletico Penarol.“We believe that he will be a real talent for the long term,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said upon his signing.
Pellistri made Under-23s debutThe winger has joined the club’s Under-23s side and he made his debut in their game against Everton on Friday evening.Pellistri received a rough introduction to English football, being on the received end of a nasty two-footed challenge inside 30 minutes.
Ouch. Welcome to England, Facundo.
Watch his entire highlights
Pellistri's entire highlights from the encounter, which United won 2-1, have also emerged. While he looked raw, the teenager flashed some decent touches and his close control looked impressive, too.
His highlights have sparked a serious reaction from fans, with many concerned that Pellistri won't ever be good enough to play for the first-team.
However, others are keen to give Pellistri more time and want to see more of him before passing judgement.