Erik ten Hag says Man Utd youngster is definitely an option to replace Garnacho

United take on Real Betis on Thursday having secured a 4-1 lead in the first leg at Old Trafford last week.

They head to Seville without winger Antony, who has not made the trip due to illness. Alejandro Garnacho is also facing a spell on the sidelines having suffered a ‘serious’ ankle injury during Sunday’s goalless draw at Southampton.

With a shortage of wide options, 21-year-old Pellistri will be hopeful of building on his recent bright cameo in the first leg, forcing United’s fourth goal within seconds of coming off the bench.

Asked if Anthony and Garnacho’s absences could pave a way for Pellistri to start on Thursday, ten Hag insisted he has a number of options under consideration with the Uruguay international among them.

‘We will see tomorrow,’ ten Hag told a press conference. ‘But we have some options. Of course, we have [Jadon] Sancho, [Anthony] Elanga, Bruno [Fernandes] so we have several options but Pella [Pellistri] is definitely one and he has been doing very well recently coming on.’

Pellistri joined United in October 2020 on the recommendation of former United striker and Uruguay legend Diego Forlan.

The winger only made his competitive debut for the club at the start of the year, however, coming on as a substitute in the Carabao Cup victory over Charlton, providing an assist.

He has made four further appearances since.

Garnacho meanwhile is set to miss the FA Cup tie against Fulham along with Argentina’s upcoming international friendlies.

The Dutchman said: ‘I can’t say exactly [when he will be back]. It will take weeks, it is a serious injury.

‘He will be back before the end of the season. We need to get him back as soon as possible and we hope he is ready.

‘It is difficult to make a diagnosis quickly. I saw him limping and that is why I took him off.’

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