Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri endured a frustrating 2021/22 season at Alaves, starting just six games for the Basque side as they finished at the foot of the La Liga table.
It was Pellistri’s second consecutive season with Alaves and the belief going into the campaign was that first-team involvement would increase but instead, he was limited to brief cameos.
He returned to United over the summer and even scored in the 4-0 win over Liverpool earlier this month but an exit is still likely, with a loan move presenting the most realistic option.
According to ESPN Uruguay, Pellistri is preparing himself for yet another loan spell but he will not be returning to Spain. Instead, joining a club in Italy or Portugal is possible.
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As per the report, the plan was always for Pellistri to depart on loan this season and the 20-year-old is keen to be in best possible shape by the time Uruguay’s World Cup preparations begin.
Despite not being a regular starter at first-team level, Pellistri has also notched up six appearances for his national team and he will be eager to earn a starting berth in Qatar.
SN’s verdict…
United’s lack of senior wingers could offer Pellistri the chance of featuring this season but his little involvement in pre-season means that it’s unlikely.
After that goalscoring cameo against Liverpool, the former Penarol attacker failed to feature in the next two matches and a loan move is probably the most course of action.
Pellistri is 21 later this year and senior football is crucial to his development. A year with the academy sides at United would be detrimental to that and would do little to aid him.
