Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri is a name uttered a lot among our fans when discussing the exciting prospects in our squad.

The winger represented his nation, Uruguay, at the 2022 World Cup despite not having made his full senior debut for United at that point.

But since the Qatar tournament, Facundo has fought his way into Erik ten Hag’s thinking, making his first appearance in the Carabao Cup quarter-final triumph over Charlton Athletic and following it up with his maiden start for the Reds away to Real Betis in the Europa League last-16 second leg.

Pellistri earned another cap for Uruguay in the recent international break, starting in La Celeste’s first friendly against Japan, a 0-0 draw.

While away with his national side, Facundo spoke to ESPN, stating that he is enjoying his journey as a Red and hopes to make further progress before the season is out.

“It makes me very happy to have more participation in the team,” he said. “I recently played as a starter, [and] that helps you feel better, both in training and on a day-to-day basis.

“Hopefully, I can follow this path, continue contributing, and, at the end of the season, I can win all the possible titles with the club.”

The 21-year-old’s sentiments are echoed by our fans and there is a real sense that Reds supporters want to see Pellistri succeed at the club. This backing is something Facundo is aware of, and he says it motivates him to continue staking a claim for a place in Erik’s starting XI.

“It makes me happy,” he continued. “It would be worse if nobody wanted to see me play.

“Feeling that support from both the Uruguayans and the people from Manchester, wanting me to play, motivates you and makes you keep putting in [the effort] to have those opportunities that are coming and I’m enjoying them.”

Pellistri will hope to play a part in United’s return to action this weekend, when the Reds take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday (17:30 SAST).