Facundo Pellistri has almost become a forgotten figure at Manchester United.
We have not seen Pellistri feature for the first-team in a competitive match since his £9 million move from Penarol in October 2020 – but he has still managed to establish himself in the Uruguay national team, starring in attack with Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez.
Pellistri, 20, made his full international debut against Paraguay in January and he is already starting games at the World Cup. It begs the question: why isn’t he getting minutes under Erik ten Hag at United?
According to ESPN, it’s likely Pellistri will leave United on loan in the January transfer market but nobody wants a repeat of his spell at Alaves last season. He didn’t play enough football and needs a regular spot in a team somewhere else.
This comes after his agent stressed that Pellistri could look for a permanent move on the back of a good World Cup.
There is also the suggestion that the young winger has been desperate to impress in training. Pellistri regularly asks Darren Fletcher, Steve McClaren and Benni McCarthy to stay behind after training to put on extra sessions.
On top of that, it is believed that Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez are doing what they can to help the youngster, who is also spending more time in the gym to thrive in English football.
Coaches have been impressed by his work ethic.
Pellistri is back in action for Uruguay this evening when they take on Portugal.
