Man Utd youngster 'surprises' new manager after brutal Erik ten Hag snub

14 February 2024 , 09:34

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Facundo Pellistri moved to Granada on loan from Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Granada boss Alexander Medina has admitted he has been "surprised" by Facundo Pellistri since his loan move from Manchester United.

Pellistri joined the La Liga side on February 1 until the end of the season. The 22-year-old made his Granada debut from the start against Las Palmas earlier this month, before grabbing a goal and an assist in their thrilling 3-3 draw at Barcelona on Sunday evening.

It was an impressive result for Granada in the Catalan region, though they still remain second bottom having won just two out of their 24 league matches this season. Medina's side sit seven points off survival and require a drastic up-turn in fortunes to stand any chance of staying in La Liga.

However, there is no doubt Pellistri has improved Granada's forward line. The Uruguayan was dangerous against Las Palmas before following that up with an excellent performance at Barca. But even from the first conversation between Pellistri and his manager, Medina has been impressed.

"Facu Pellistri surprised me in the first talk we had, in these two weeks of work he has given us a lot at stake and in defensive solidarity," Medina said to Sport890. "I looked for Pellistri because he knew what he could give us. He meets all the conditions on the wing, he had his personal ambition for growth and that leaves me happy."

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Speaking directly after the draw at Barcelona, Medina hailed Pellistri's contribution before firing a dig at how United have handled him. He said: "Pellistri's contribution was a lot, I told him what I wanted from him and in his second game he is showing the hierarchy and quality he has.

Facundo Pellistri impressed for Granada against Barcelona on Sunday (Getty Images)

"I am very satisfied and happy with his signing. It will help him to have minutes and show his football because at United he was relegated."

Pellistri's move to Granada came after his agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, aimed criticism at Ten Hag for how he has been using the youngster. Pellistri has made 14 appearances - including three as a starter - for United this season, providing one assist in the process.

Lasalvia told Sport890: "Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year [from Granada] will depend on the performance he shows. If Ten Hag continues, it’s going to be difficult. Ten Hag hasn’t used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional."

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Kieran King