Erik ten Hag explains why he started Facundo Pellistri in Bayern Munich defeat

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained that he decided to give youngster Facundo Pellistri a starting role in our Champions League opener to help deal with the threat of Bayern Munich fullback Alphonso Davies.

In his pre-match comments, the Dutch tactician revealed he was looking to exploit the weakness of the fullback who he referred to as ‘not a great defender’.

“It’s not that we’ve given it to him [the chance]. He deserves it,” the United boss said.

“I thought it was not the right time as he came back from a tough journey in South America. We already had two players Casemiro and Licha Martinez, coming from that journey but I think he’s ready for it.

“Now he has to prove it. It’s a great game and also he fits tactically very well as they have a tough player there in Davies with a lot of speed. He is the one who can match that speed.

“That’s why we play him [to go up against Davies]. He can match his defense and he’s also capable of being a threat.

“He is a very good dribbler, Pellistri, and Davies is not a great defender so we expect something from him.”

Meanwhile, United lost 4-3 to the Bavarians despite Facundo’s excellent display in the game.