Mystery over Facundo Pellistri after under-23 absence

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Facundo Pellistri’s start to life at Manchester United was always going to be a slow one.

It is very possible that it takes up to two years for the 18-year-old Uruguayan to start making in-roads towards the first team.

Nonetheless, his absence from the under-23 squad on Friday against Brighton was a little surprising.

Pellistri trained with United’s first team on Tuesday but did not fly out to Turkey with the Champions League squad.

United’s website even ran a feature on Pellistri, talking up his under-23 role.

Pellistri had featured in the previous match, playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Everton.

United’s website wrote: “Facundo Pellistri is set to get more game-time with Manchester United’s Under-23s as he continues his integration with the club. He looks set to feature for Neil Wood’s youngsters again on Friday, when we meet Brighton & Hove Albion.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was even quoted, “You’ll see him in the Reserves, probably in the next game.”

So when Friday’s squad was named for the 3pm kick-off, it was a surprise to see Pellistri not even on the bench.

United’s young guns did not need him. The side won 5-2, with five different players on the scoresheet.

Pellistri was not involved with the first team either. Nor was he moved down to the under-18s on Saturday.

It can only be assumed Pellistri has picked up a minor injury and was judged to be not quite ready.

But there was no update from United, nor did Pellistri offer any clues on social media.

United’s next under-23 game is on November 22 against Tottenham. It’s probable Pellistri will be involved then.

With United’s under-23s winning so comfortable against Brighton, it was just a shame the new signing was not involved to show what he could do too.

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