21-year-old Manchester United talent must be wondering if he is wasting his time

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Facundo Pellistri was an unused substitute for Manchester United yet again.

A penny for Facundo Pellistri’s thoughts right now.

For all the fuss about United not signing Moises Caicedo in 2021, there is a chance he would be in Pellistri’s position if he were at Old Trafford, a perennial substitute.

Caicedo has had the opportunity to play regularly, and is thriving. Pellistri, another promising South American talent, has still not started a Premier League game since signing in 2020.

Facundo Pellistri back at square one

Shortly before the international break, Facundo Pellistri made his first ever start for Manchester United in the Europa League.

This was away at Real Betis and he performed well. He was praised by TV pundits and impressed United supporters. It was a week after he provided an assist at home to the Spanish side.

Since then, it’s been tough going for Pellistri. Somewhat inexplicably, he has gone back to being ignored, even with Alejandro Garnacho sidelined through injury.

Pellistri’s game time since the Real Betis win has been seven minutes away at Newcastle and nine minutes at home to Sevilla. He has not played at all in nearly a month, since April 13.

Last night might have been a game where United could have utilised him. Or away at Tottenham last week. Pellistri is direct, runs with the ball, and asks questions of the opposition.

He must be wondering now if he is wasting his time at Old Trafford, whether the chances will ever come his way. It doesn’t feel like his positive progress has been rewarded.

If he were at last night’s opponents Brighton, Pellistri would probably be thriving. A loan deal, or even throwing him into a swap offer for Moises Caicedo, could be attractive for United.

That’s the thing with Caicedo. Because he has had the opportunity to play regular Premier League football and develop, he is more advanced as a player, and benefitting for it. Pellistri at present is a highly paid spectator, and needs to play football to learn and improve.

It would be a surprise if his fortunes changed much between now and the end of the season.