Facundo Pellistri was always going to take time to settle at Manchester United. But it may be a while longer before he is pushing for a first-team chance at Old Trafford.
A loan move in January made sense. After all, the 19-year-old quickly proved too good for U23 football. But a brief stint at Alaves is unlikely to be Pellistri’s last loan move.
The Uruguayan is yet to get going in Spain. He was putting together a run of starts before a muscle injury set him back. And he has been getting used to substitute appearances ever since.
With no goals or assists in 11 appearances, the United winger has lots of work to do. He certainly hasn’t looked out of place, but that is only half the battle. He needs to make an impact in first-team football to ensure his Old Trafford future is bright.
During his brief stint with United’s U23s, the £9million signing (BBC) scored three goals in just eight appearances.
It showed why United were so keen to sign him in the first place. But he has not done enough in the second half of this campaign to prove his worth.
Patience is key with Pellistri and there is no need to rush him through. That is why another loan next season – this time for the whole campaign – makes sense.
It would be interesting to see what he can do in the Championship. But it would be no surprise if he heads abroad for another year.
A big year ahead
The winger racked up 37 first-team appearances for Penarol in his homeland. He shone time and again, impressing with his close control, confidence and creativity.
He certainly has what it takes to become a United regular in the years ahead. His ability on the ball and relatively low centre of gravity have seen him compared by some to Lionel Messi. While he clearly wants to succeed after thriving in his homeland – embarrassing players far more experienced than him.
This loan may not quite have gone to plan – at least in terms of individual accolades – but Pellistri helped his temporary team avoid relegation.
Next season, wherever he ends up. He will be desperate to achieve far more.
- Forget Fernando Torres, Nemanja Vidic now names three ‘more difficult’ opponents he faced at Man Utd
- Andy Cole reacts as Michael Carrick set to make his first signing for Man Utd
- Michael Carrick is showing what Man Utd ‘stands for’ with one commitment to role, says Timothy Fosu-Mensah
- Man Utd academy star James Scanlon scores brace in 4-0 Gibraltar win
- Morgan Rogers explains the ‘great’ help he got from Michael Carrick as Man Utd explore deal
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
