Man Utd warned they’re about to lose youngster who is “one of the world’s best”
The Manchester United starlet has been chosen to his country's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Qatar, but he might be on his way out of Old Trafford once the tournament concludes.
Manchester United has been told that they may lose Facundo Pellistri, “one of the best players in the world,” soon after the World Cup.
The youthful Red Devils attacker has been nominated to Uruguay’s World Cup squad, alongside former Liverpool and Manchester United forwards Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. It remains to be seen how many opportunities he will be given by manager Diego Alonso, but his own agent believes Pellistri will be able to secure a big-money move in the January transfer season if he has a memorable campaign.
“I think that with a wonderful World Cup, as we expect it will have,” remarked Edgardo Lasalvia, “his exit is imminent.”
Despite being signed in 2020, Pellistri, 20, has yet to make his senior debut for the Red Devils. The youthful striker was bought from Penarol and has spent the last 18 months on loan at LaLiga side Alaves.
He ended up making 35 appearances for the Spanish team during that time but was unable to open his goal-scoring account. Regardless, former Uruguay international Carlos Alberto Aguilera has supported the young striker to become one of the world’s best players.
“I saw him for the first time in Las Acacias when he was 10 or 11 years old,” he told El Observador. He already possessed fast technique at that age. Besides, he was entertaining to watch. Do you know how many kicks he received? There are so many. Manchester United bought him for a purpose.
“Facundo will be one of the world’s top players.” I have no reservations. He has a lot of promise.”
It remains to be seen whether Pellistri can live up to those lofty expectations during his career, or which clubs would be interested in signing him if he were to depart Old Trafford.
Prior to the World Cup break, the Uruguayan expressed a desire for additional first-team appearances with the Red Devils, which did not materialize.
“Now in Manchester, there will be an important string of games, so I also want to receive minutes at the club,” he stated. Erik ten Hag is an excellent coach with a clear vision; I am eager to join the club.”
His next chance to play will be with Uruguay as they aim to capture their third World Cup championship in Qatar. They begin their latest campaign against South Korea on Thursday, followed by matches against Portugal and Ghana, with the latter potentially pitting him against Red Devils colleagues Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Dalot.
