![](\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1678133503.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has praised Facundo Pellistri\u2019s performance against Bayern Munich, insisting the winger has earned his place in the starting XI.<\/p>\n
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
The Uruguay international made his first starting appearance of the season in the Champions League group opener on Wednesday night with United falling to a 4-3 defeat where the close scoreline somewhat flattered the visitors.<\/p>\n
With Jadon Sancho and Antony both unavailable and Amad Diallo recovering from a knee injury, Erik ten Hag has a shortage of options on the right with calls for Pellistri to be given opportunities growing in recent weeks.<\/p>\n
Up against Alphonso Davies, the 21-year-old worked hard on an otherwise difficult evening with Fernandes impressed with his contribution.<\/p>\n
\u2018Pellistri is one of the players that deserves his chance and deserves a lot of credit for everything he has done for the team,\u2019 Fernandes said.<\/p>\n
\u2018He is someone who is always available, always training hard and someone who deserves his chance.<\/p>\n
\u2018He did well today, he did the job the manager asked him to do and we are all happy for him because he really deserves to get his chances.\u2019<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/metro-parent\/img\/fallback.png\")
<\/p>\n
Ten Hag explained that despite initial reservations, Pellistri was handed a starting role to help deal with the threat of Davies, also claiming the Canada international \u2018is not a great defender\u2019 in his pre-match comments.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s not that we\u2019ve given it to him [the chance]. He deserves it,\u2019 the United boss said.<\/p>\n
\u2018I thought it was not the right time as he came back from a tough journey in South America. We already had two players in Casemiro and Licha Martinez, coming from that journey but I think he\u2019s ready for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2018Now he has to prove it,\u201d he asserted. \u201cIt\u2019s a great game and also he actually fits tactically very good as they have a tough player there in Davies with a lot of speed. He is the one who can match that speed.<\/p>\n
\u2018That\u2019s why we play him [to go up against Davies]. He can match him defence wise and he\u2019s also capable to be a threat.<\/p>\n
\u2018He is a very good dribbler, Pellistri, and Davies is not a great defender so we expect something from him.\u2019<\/p>\n