Pellistri makes priority clear as agent explains Man Utd's stance on winger

21 January 2023 , 16:00

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Facundo Pellistri is frustrated with the lack of game time (Image: PA)

Facundo Pellistri is desperate to get more game time and may have to leave Manchester United to get it, according to his agent.

Pellistri has made just one appearance for United since joining the club in a £7.65million transfer from Uruguayan side Penarol in October 2020. The winger came off the bench and set up Marcus Rashford ’s second goal in the 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.

The 21-year-old has previously spent time on loan with Spanish side Alaves and has earned 10 caps for Uruguay. He played in all three World Cup games for his country in Qatar and has returned to Manchester eager to make an impact.

His agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, has been open about Pellistri’s desire to play more often and has suggested he could push for a transfer in the January window.

“It’s clear to us that Manchester United want Facu Pellistri to stay at the club, one of the greatest in the world,” he told Sport 890. “However, we need him to play. There are many options in Europe for him.”

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Pellistri did not make much of an impact during two separate loan spells with Alaves, but the Daily Mail reports that Valencia are interested in taking him on loan for the rest of the season. There have also been reports stating that Brazilian side Flamengo are interested in signing Pellistri on a permanent deal.

Facundo Pellistri finally made his Manchester United debut earlier this month (Oli Scarff/AFP)

HAVE YOUR SAY! What should Manchester United do with Facundo Pellistri? Comment below.

However, as Lasalvia notes, United are keen to keep hold of the winger. Erik ten Hag wants to keep his squad together in the January window, with United facing a deluge of fixtures in the coming weeks, because they are still in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League, as well as the Premier League.

Pellistri has been growing frustrated with the lack of opportunities at United for some time. Speaking in the summer, during United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, he explained his priorities for the 2022/23 campaign.

"This year is very important both at club and national team level," he told Ovacion in July. "You have to be ready for everything and prepare well. I want to have the maximum continuity of minutes to try to arrive well.

"I’m not looking for a particular league. It’s easy to say ‘earn minutes’ because nobody promises them to you, and you have to earn them. It’s a complicated search, but I’m going to try to find the best option to play, show myself and feel good."

Following his move from Penarol in October 2020, it was claimed that Pellistri had been promised he would go straight into the United first team. However, it took him two years and three months to make his debut for Ten Hag’s side.

Pellistri isn’t the only unhappy youngster at United, with Anthony Elanga also searching for more game time following the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho.

Felix Keith