By Dan Coombs

Three Manchester United loan players who need more minutes

Manchester United sanctioned 14 loan deals during the summer transfer window.

As we saw last season, loans can vary in terms of success. The early signs for Di’Shon Bernard at Hull City and Ethan Laird at Swansea City look very promising.

Not all of them have enjoyed the same early success. Alarm bells won’t be ringing yet, but United will want to see the following three players getting more minutes than they currently are as the season progresses…

Reece Devine – St Johnstone

Youngster Reece Devine secured his loan to St Johnstone in early July and had a very challenging start.

Devine started away to Galatasaray in the Europa League qualifiers and also featured in St Johnstone’s 2-1 defeat at Rangers.

But it has not quite been smooth sailing for the defender in the left wing-back role.

Devine has been on the bench for the last four consecutive matches in all competitions with his last appearance coming back on September 11.

He has only three league starts to his name and Devine will want to kick on and regain his place in the side.

D’Mani Mellor – Salford City

It is a success simply for D’Mani Mellor to be out on loan at all. This time last year he was starting his recovery from an ACL injury.

After a goal and assist for United’s under-23 side, the Red Devils secured him a loan at League Two side Salford City.

Mellor, 21, is yet to make an impact. He made his debut as a late substitute against Newport County at the end of August, playing just one minute.

Since then he has been an unused substitute twice and was not even on the bench for the last two matches.

Mellor may have some fitness work to do to get up to speed for competitive first team football. Currently the objective of getting playing time is not working out.

Facundo Pellistri – Alaves

United loaned winger Facundo Pellistri back to Alaves after a semi-successful spell there last season.

The Uruguayan has not yet really had a chance to impress. So far he has a total of 196 minutes of playing time, which for context is less than Devine has managed.

Pellistri has one start, and six appearances from the bench.

The young winger does not seem to be making much progress and if this situation gets to January continuing like this, United would be better off finding him a new club.

Having paid £8 million for the winger a year ago, United will be keeping a close eye on this situation.

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Dan Coombs

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