If exciting Manchester United winger is sold, one game is the reason why

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United are expecting to receive interest in Facundo Pellistri during this transfer window.

It was October 2020 when Facundo Pellistri clinched his transfer to Manchester United from Penarol, at the end of an extended transfer window that year.

Now in 2024, Pellistri has a total of just one Premier League start to his name. This did come this season, a sign of progress perhaps, but it’s not enough.

Pellistri remains a fringe player and while Jadon Sancho is being sent out on loan, the Uruguayan could go too.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves

Facundo Pellistri latest

Facundo Pellistri has struggled for game time this season, sporadically used as a substitute. He has shown promise and perhaps deserved more opportunities than he has got, but he has not won Erik ten Hag over.

The Sun report Villarreal are showing interest in signing the Uruguay international winger on a permanent deal. He has played in La Liga before on loan at Alaves, over two spells.

A loan deal is also an option, but Manchester United are reportedly open to a permanent exit.

One game was a turning point for Pellistri

Facundo Pellistri’s Manchester United experience comes down to more than one game – but there is one recent match where his career at the club took a turn for the worse.

This was when Manchester United took on Galatasaray away in the Champions League, needing a win to keep qualification in the club’s own hands.

Pellistri had what can be described as a bad cameo performance. That’s putting it mildly. One YouTube edit labelled it as a ‘hall of shame performance’.

The best chance of the match fell to Pellistri, which he skied over the bar, and on another occasion his decision making let him down as captain Bruno Fernandes looked on, furiously demanding a pass.

Manchester United had to settle for a draw, which preceded defeat to Bayern in the final match. A win could have at least helped secure Europa League qualification, if not entry to the knockout phase.

And that would have brought with it extra chances for Manchester United to rotate.

Instead a condensed schedule has reduced Manchester United’s need for a big squad in the second half of the season, and opened the door for Pellistri to exit.

Pellistri’s poor performance didn’t help his cause. There have been some good cameos from him, against Fulham for instance he helped to win the game, with an assist for Bruno Fernandes’ late winner. But even this was not enough to win his manager over.

Ten Hag has not been convinced. The season-defining game in Galatasaray could have won him over, instead it looks like it has confirmed his doubts. If Manchester United had won the game 4-3 with a Pellistri winner, there would be no way he would be sold this month.

READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group