A meeting between Man Utd and a player’s agents will take place this week, and the lively winger has taken a dim view on the prospect on being loaned out to one club in particular, per reports.
Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night was a landmark moment for Facundo Pellistri.
The Uruguayan joined United from Penarol back in 2020, though it took two-plus years before his debut came.
Pellistri was loaned out to Spanish side Alaves on two separate occasions. He was retained in the first-team squad by Erik ten Hag this season, though was an unused substitute 13 successive times he was named on the bench.
His big moment finally came against Charlton and the 21-year-old did not disappoint.
Pellistri grabbed the assist for Marcus Rashford’s first goal and also provided a crucial defensive contribution when winning back possession in his own area.
Speaking after the match, Ten Hag was suitably impressed.
Uruguayan has a future at Man Utd?
“I see a future in him,” said Ten Hag after the game (via Man Utd’s official website). “He is doing really well and we have to see what is the best [for him].
“He is progressing. Against Everton [in a behind-closed doors friendly], I was really happy with his performance.
“I was happy with his performance at the World Cup so his progress is really good and now he is coming on and has an effect.
“So that’s the next step that I say: ‘well done Pelli, keep going’.”
In a separate interview, Ten Hag doubled down on his backing of Pellistri.
“I mentioned already Pellistri came on and it was a debut,” said Ten Hag. “It was not long but he was really lively, some good actions and also the assist on the second goal.”
Pellistri debut a false dawn?
But according to both the Athletic and Telegraph, Pellistri’s debut may be a false dawn.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reports a meeting between United and Pellistri’s camp has been pencilled in for later this week.
The player’s future and whether to loan him out for the remainder of the season will be the primary topic discussed.
An offer has reportedly already been lodged by Valencia. Championship side Watford are being tipped by both the Telegraph and Athletic to make their own bid, though the player is reportedly against dropping a division.
Pellistri is described as an ‘excellent trainer and presence’ at United’s Carrington training base. Perhaps in lieu of his sparkling reputation, Whitwell reported the idea of Pellistri remaining at Old Trafford has not totally been discarded.
Ten Hag will reportedly discuss Pellistri’s potential loan with club chiefs John Murtough and Darren Fletcher first. The latter is understood to have significant sway on what United do with regards to their loan deals.
If his bright cameo on Tuesday is anything to go by, many United fans will be hoping Pellistri is retained.
The Red Devils are challenging on four fronts this season and strength in depth in such a congested fixture list will be more vital than ever.
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