Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has praised youngster Facundo Pellistri ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Southampton at Old Trafford.

According to Ten Hag, 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.

“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.”