The Dutch strategist still plans to use Facundo Pellistri and this is not a very positive signal for Antony.
From the beginning of the tournament, the expensive contract of Manchester United has not shown many things, and is disappointing because of the cumbersome and ineffective gameplay. However, the Red Devils do not have too many options on the right. Jadon Sancho is still in the process of regaining form, while Alejandro Garnacho’s forte is the left wing.
However, in the midst of misery, coach Erik ten Hag saw the light from Facundo Pellistri. Before the 2022/23 season started, the Uruguayan star considered parting ways at Old Trafford. Because, despite being used in the national team shirt, he has never had the opportunity to assert himself at Manchester United.
If including the position of Jadon Sancho and partly Bruno Fernandes, Facundo Pellistri is only the 5th choice on the right corridor. However, when MU faced a tight schedule, opportunities began to appear for the 21-year-old player. The former Ajax Amsterdam captain himself admitted that he has separate plans with Facundo Pellistri.
“ We have a few ideas here. Some of the players we want to take out on loan, but some don’t. I want them to be developed here, in our environment. More importantly, the club has to stretch in many arenas. And when you have to play 10 games in 30 days, you need a lot of players in the squad ready to go .”
Indeed, now, Manchester United have reached the Europa League round of 32 and the FA Cup fourth round. Even coach Erik ten Hag’s army put one foot in the Carabao Cup final when they won 3-0 at Nottingham Forest at home. At that time, the opponent of the red half of Manchester will be the winner of the match between Southampton and Newcastle United.
In the fourth round of the FA Cup, Manchester United only had to meet Reading. This is an opportunity for players like Facundo Pellistri to show up. There is no ideal height and superior personal technique, but the Uruguayan player is always decisive in his handling. Compared to Antony, he shows directness, can create mutations from crosses.
On the other hand, with Erik ten Hag’s style and coaching philosophy, Facundo Pellistri’s quick style will always have a place. And if he performs well, he also has the ability to remove Antony to the bench. At Old Trafford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was in the same situation as Facundo Pellistri but is gradually regaining his position.
The success or failure of coach Erik ten Hag with Manchester United is still unknown, but he is very good at raising the level of players. Therefore, his confirmation to retain Facundo Pellistri will come as a shock to Antony personally. Because, if he does not improve his play soon, he can completely be eliminated even as an expensive contract and an old game of coach Erik ten Hag.
