Revealed: How Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Facundo Pellistri’s choice of squad number at Man Utd

The Uruguayan forward is still in the process of making a name for himself at Old Trafford, with just 22 senior appearances taken in so far. Erik ten Hag has handed out 12 of those in the current campaign, with the 22-year-old winger earning the trust of his Dutch coach.

Pellistri is determined to make his mark in Manchester and follow in the footsteps of his idol Ronaldo – who he briefly worked alongside following the Portuguese superstar’s return to England in the summer of 2021. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is considered to be a role model to millions around the world, with Pellistri falling into that category.

Pellistri has told a Q&A on United’s official website of why he wears No.28: “Well because, when I came here to Manchester, I was playing in Penarol and I had the No.10. So the two plus the eight, they sum up to 10. So that’s why I take it. And, later, I realised that number was the one Ronaldo also made his debut in and all that. So, for me, that number is very special.”

Ronaldo wore No.28 when taking in his first outing for Sporting, with that shirt on his back when catching Sir Alex Ferguson’s eye during a famous friendly date with United in 2003. He has since gone on to make the No.7 jersey his own – and part of his CR7 brand – with the all-time great currently on the books of Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.