By Erik ten Hag’s own admission, there was just no way he could guarantee a regular place in the Manchester United side for one of many players to exit Old Trafford.
Not with Amad Diallo a first-team regular at last.
Not with Alejandro Garnacho going strength to strength and Jadon Sancho returning following a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund; water under the bridge as far as that dispute with Erik ten Hag is concerned.
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to bogey side Brighton and Hove Albion – winners in four of the last six meetings between the two sides – Erik ten Hag has Amad, Garnacho, Sancho, Antony and Marcus Rashford at his disposal.
As such, opportunities were likely to be more limited than ever for Facundo Pellistri.
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Erik ten Hag explains Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri sale
The Uruguay international made only one Premier League start in three years as a Manchester United player, much to the frustration of his agent.
Pellistri is now looking to start afresh in Athens. The 22-year-old moved to the Greek capital via a £5 million deal with Panathinaikos this week.
The winger could make his debut for Diego Alonso – who also coached Pellistri in the Uruguayan national team – during Thursday’s Europa Conference League qualifier with RC Lens.
And, opening up for the first time about Pellistri’s departure, Ten Hag was full of praise for the improvements made by the former Penarol youngster albeit while admitting that first-team chances were just not going to come his way in England’s North West.
“He’s a very talented player,” Ten Hag says. “(Pellistri) progressed very good last year, but we have a lot of competition in wide areas.
“We look at what we need as a squad, but every player needs a perspective and in this moment we had many players to compete in these positions.
“We couldn’t give him the right perspective. But he has high potential and he needs games to improve and progress.
“He gets the opportunity at Panathinaikos.”
Panathinaikos sign former Old Trafford prospect
Pellistri is the latest player to leave in a summer of substantial change under Ineos.
Man United have also sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Greenwood, Donny Van de Beek and Maxi Oyedele, while Anthony Martial, Brandon Williams and Raphael Varane have all been released.
Before the window closes next week, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen could also say their goodbyes amid links with Napoli and Ajax.
Pellistri, meanwhile, has been labelled a fantastic bit of business for a Panathinaikos side looking to end a title drought that has dragged on now for over a decade.
“Pelistri is a quality and skilled winger. Quick and capable in one-on-ones, he has the means to break down opposing defences,” former Panathinaikos coach and fellow Uruguayan Sergio Markarian tells SDNA.
“He marks the opponents and works effectively in the defensive part as well, offering help to the full-back behind him.
“It is no coincidence that, from an early age, he has been playing in the Uruguayan national team and at the age of 22 he is a key member of it.
“Great transfer for Panathinaikos.”
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