Facundo Pellistri is about to finally get a Manchester United chance

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Reports from Spanish newspaper AS this week suggested Facundo Pellistri is likely to return to Alaves on loan for the season.

With opportunities at Manchester United unclear, it makes sense for the young winger to spend a full developmental year in Spain.

Before he leaves, Pellistri, 19, could finallyy get the chance to show Manchester United what he can do.

The young Uruguayan has been training with United’s first team over the past two weeks and has a chance to play in this weekend’s pre-season friendly at Derby, and could also feature against QPR the following week.

These games will be Pellistri’s chance to show United supporters and the coaching staff what he can do.

Learning season

Last season was an eventful one for Pellistri. In the space of 12 months he played football in Uruguay, England, and Spain.

In seven matches for United’s under-23 team he scored three goals and provided one assist.

When he was closing in on a possible first team debut in the FA Cup against Watford, Pellistri got a positive Covid test. The opportunity had gone, and he was then sent out on loan.

Playing for relegation threatened Alaves was tough for Pellistri, but he made a good impression and played a part in their survival.

Pellistri cost United just £8 million and is under contract until 2026. There is no reason for the club to rush him.

Chance to shine

This pre-season stretch is a chance for United’s coaches to get to know him more, and for Pellistri to re-familiarise himself with the club and feel like he belongs.

It could also be the first time many supporters watch him in action, so it is a big chance for the Uruguayan to make a good impression.

Pellistri is a more traditional winger in that he likes to take players on and use the wide areas of the pitch. In 12 games, which included just five starts for Alaves last season he completed 17 dribbles.

Strong performances likely won’t change his season prospects next year, in that he will still go out on loan. But he could boost his reputation and leave fans a lot more excited about him, as right now he has become a little bit of a forgotten figure, lost amid more exciting options.

This is Pellistri’s chance to show he is worth being excited about too.

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