Manchester United’s dawdling last summer meant that the majority of the transfer business was done on deadline day.
It was far too much last-gasp business for any club, let alone the world’s biggest, with the resources that go along with that.
The arrival of Facundo Pellistri was rushed through andt he didn’t make a first team appearance before being loaned to Alaves for the second part of the season.
Speaking to the club’s official website, academy player performance manager Les Parry raved about how well he did in La Liga.
“He did well and they loved him, said Parry. He’d have played more but picked up an injury three-quarters of the way through.
“He got back for the final two or three games and was Man of the Match against Atletico Madrid, who ended up winning the league. At the time, he was still 19, so he’s done tremendously well.
“At 19, to play in La Liga, hold his own and excel is amazing. He is fearless. He’s brave and doesn’t duck out of tackles. He goes for headers meaning to go for headers – he doesn’t just jump.
“When he runs at defenders, one thing you can’t let Facundo do is get into the box. When he gets into the box, he has fantastic feet and leaves people standing. The fans really liked him there. He did really, really well.”
Pellistri is one for the future
Despite Parry’s glowing comments, Pellistri shouldn’t be considered a viable option for the first team in 2021/22.
The most likely outcome is he goes out on loan again, and gets a full season playing regularly in a top league.
If he blossoms into a top player, that’s a bonus for United. He didn’t cost the earth and United will likely make at least a small profit if they sell him down the line.
But based on what Parry is saying, he’s got a lot of the attributes needed to succeed. He’ll just need some time and patience to get ready for the level United need – and that probably won’t happen next season.
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