Erik ten Hag sends message to Facundo Pellistri ahead of Manchester United vs Southampton

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted Reds youngster Facundo Pellistri deserves his first-team opportunities because of his application and performances in training.

Pellistri came off the bench in United's 4-1 win over Real Betis on Thursday night, with the Uruguay international playing an important role in the fourth and final goal of the Europa League clash. The 21-year-old raced past several defenders before delivering a smart cut-back to Scott McTominay.

The Scotsman's initial effort was pushed out by Claudio Bravo, but Wout Weghorst was on hand to steer the ball into the unguarded net to grab his first goal at Old Trafford. Only a good save from the Betis goalkeeper denied Pellistri from getting on the scoresheet himself during an impressive cameo off the bench.

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Ten Hag was keen to praise Pellistri ahead of the Reds' Premier League clash with Southampton on Sunday, with the Dutchman suggesting that the young attacker is an "example" on the training pitch at Carrington.

"He is the example by deserving his position by performance on the training [ground]," Ten Hag told club media. "And I said the other day, I did not select him for Liverpool and it was not even totally justified because he was training that well.

"Now this was his moment to come on because of a longer period he performed in training. What impressed me was he came on and, straight [away], showed himself. When they came on, Scott [McTominay] and Pelli, it was 3-1 but 4-1 is huge, to make the extra goal. In the first moment, they did, which was brilliant."

Pellistri has made five appearances for United's first team since arriving from Penarol in 2020,