A number of Manchester United supporters have been left unimpressed at a transfer update involving young winger Facundo Pellistri.
The Lowdown: Possible loan move
Pellistri is just 21 years of age and has been on the books at Old Trafford since 2020 after joining from Uruguayan side Penarol in an €8.5m deal.
The right winger has 10 senior caps to his name for Uruguay but has had to remain patient for his chance for the Red Devils. He was sent out on loan to Spanish side Alaves, where he made 35 appearances but has featured just six times under Erik ten Hag this season, playing just over 100 minutes of action.
Pellistri seemed to impress in a brief cameo appearance against Real Betis last week, with both Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves praising the youngster, however, Samuel Luckhurst has reported that those at Old Trafford are prepared to send the winger out on loan in the summer.
The Latest: Fans react
Luckhurst’s update regarding Pellistri had a number of United supporters talking on Twitter. Many were not happy at the news, with one even labelling it as ’embarrassing’.
“Please no he’s phenomenal” – @Arctic_GB
“Wasting his career, just sell him with a 2 year option to buy if he performs. Embarrassing” – @UTDJolloF
“This would be one of the worst decisions ever made if true!!” – @melophile_me
“Stupid decision if true, Pellestri and Garnacho offered more than Anthony and Sancho. We need competition for places especially on that right side not less competition.” – @manutdirishreds
“That would be a big mistake…” – @1Thecoach
“A silly decision if true. We need all different qualities and effectiveness we can muster to bring variety into our play. Couldn’t they just cancel Phil Jones contract to release extra funds A good servant of the Club, but no point occupying a place and all that salary.” – @juriprudence201
The Verdict: Wise move?
Scholes believes that Pellistri deserves more minutes at Old Trafford, however, his age and lack of first-team experience could mean that another loan would be the right idea in regards to his development.
He has registered just one assist in his last 41 senior appearances for Alaves and United, so you could say that he needs to produce more goals or assists over the next 12 months to make it at the top level.
It’ll be interesting to see where the South American may go on a temporary transfer in the summer in what could be a make-or-break season.
Should he star, then there may well be a real chance for Pellistri to make it at Old Trafford under Ten Hag, who currently has the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga as options out wide, showing that it is an area of the pitch that is already well stocked.