Ten Hag gives four reasons why Pellistri has a future at Man Utd as Antony comparison made

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hinted that Facundo Pellistri could be set for more playing opportunities in the near future after he played in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

The Uruguayan had played just one competitive match for United before last night, despite being a regular fixture on the bench for Ten Hag's side this season.

Both of those appearances have come in the Carabao Cup, with Pellistri having featured in a nine-minute cameo during the quarter-final against Charlton.

He was given 20 minutes to impress in the first leg of the semi-final at the City Ground, and certainly made the most of his opportunity.

His direct running caused problems for Forest's defence, he created a chance for Wout Weghorst, and he played a part in United's third goal which was scored by Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes, David de Gea and Lisandro Martinez were among the United stars to praise the Uruguayan after the game on Instagram, and Ten Hag was also pleased with the 21-year-old's performance.

Man Utd boss Ten Hag on Pellistri

Speaking after the victory, Ten Hag said (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "We have seen some physicality [from Pellistri], he had some good movements, some good runs in behind, he has speed. So he has to bring that in our game.

"I think he is a player who can play really good between the lines because he can be ball-secure, that he has to bring in our game.

"A little bit different, like a left-footed right winger we have with Antony, and he is right-footed and his good chance he created was his cross for Wout Weghorst."

Pellistri has been attracting loan interest from other clubs, with the Daily Mail claiming that Valencia were set to make an approach for the winger, who started all three of Uruguay's games at the World Cup.

However, the same report said that Ten Hag wanted the 21-year-old to stay, and it remains to be seen whether the winger will be at Old Trafford once the transfer window shuts on January 31.