A lack of game time was the deciding factor in the departure of one of Manchester United’s many fringe players.
With his £5 million move to Panathinaikos finalised last week, Facundo Pellistri will still look back on his almost half-a-decade spell at Old Trafford with a great deal pride.
The Uruguayan made a few very close friends at Manchester United too.
The reaction to his departure spelled that out pretty clearly, skipper Bruno Fernandes tipping Pellistri for ‘big things’ while the latter referred to the former in his response as the dictionary ‘definition of captain’.
In his first interview with the official Panathinaikos website, Pellistri opened up a little more on the relationships he developed at Man United and the good friends he leaves behind.
“I am very good friends with Bruno,” Pellistri explains. “From my first day there, we were very close. Every year, we spent a lot of time together. I have many memories.
“Everyone knows what a great footballer he is but, also as a person, he is incredible. I am happy to have such a relationship with him.”
Facundo Pellistri leaves Manchester United for Panathinaikos
For Alejandro Garnacho, only two years younger than Pellistri, his exit hurt.
Ironically, however, it was the Argentine’s emergence as arguably Man United’s most fearsome option on the right wing that paved the way for Pellistri to swap the North West for Athens, having forced his former team-mate even further down the pecking order.
“I have Garnacho as my little brother, and we were together every day. When he heard the news that I was coming here, he was sad that I was leaving,” Pellistri adds.
“I have a very good relationship with him as with many United players. The team was very good and I have excellent relations.”
After making his debut in Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by Lens in the Conference League qualifiers, Pellistri found himself in the starting XI for the first time on Sunday.
Former Middlesbrough striker Andraz Sporar struck a 96th minute winner against Levadiakos on Sunday. The Greek giants have not won the league title in over a decade now but a few stand-out arrivals – plus the continued excellence of perennially exit-linked striker Fotis Ioannidis – has Panathinaikos fans feeling that this might be their year after all.
United boss Erik ten Hag, last week, confirmed that the ‘very talented’ Pellistri was allowed to leave because he could not be guaranteed game time.
Erik ten Hag explained Old Trafford exit
Not with Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Antony all ahead of him in the pecking order on the right-hand side.
Pellistri’s only appearance this term came as a right-back – rather than in his favoured right-winger role – during the Community Shield clash with Manchester City.
“It was amazing. I spent four years at Manchester United. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Pellistri adds, agreeing with Ten Hag’s point as he explains why he felt the time had come for a fresh start.
“I improved a lot as a footballer and as a person. I have very good friends there. I have very good memories. Now, I will try to take advantage of all this experience I gained
“As I said, Manchester are one of the top teams in the world. If you look at the squad, you will see the best footballers. The competition is great and sometimes you will get a chance to compete, sometimes not.
“As a team, it is so big, with so many footballers in all positions. Sometimes, it is not so easy to find playing time.”
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