MUFC confirmed that 22-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri has officially left the club and will join Greek outfit Panathinaikos on a permanent transfer. The fee is reported to be €6m fixed with €2m in add-ons. There is a buy-back option but that is valid until 2027 with United also having a 45% sell-on clause, via Fabrizio Romano.
He joined United from Penarol back in 2020 yet actually had to wait two seasons before making his senior debut with the first team. Pellistri was sent on loan twice to Alaves before he made his United bout in the 22/23 season in a Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic.
He also joined Grenada on loan last season which was his third in four seasons since that move from Uruguay four years ago.
Pellistri made just the 25 appearances for MUFC scoring 0 and assisting twice in four years! That is just incredible.
He actually played more games for Alaves (35) than he did for MUFC.
Amazing stat.
Final Thoughts
I find this to be a wasted talent by United. After being recommended by Diego Forlan prior to him joining the club, I thought that we would have some talent on our hands.
And you know what? We did, we just under utilized it.
I always felt that whenever Pellistri took to the field in a United shirt, he displayed exactly what I want in a winger. Very direct, not afraid to take the man on, go down the line and put in a cross. That is all we need.
All of our wingers are quite selfish and don't really offer Pellistri's more traditional approach to wing play.
The 22-year-old also showcased the right attitude both on and off the pitch. He never caused a fuss and just got on with his business.
I don't believe he was ever given a real chance at Old Trafford hence the multiple loan spells. We also only used to hear positive things about Pellistri whenever he did go on loan.
For a player who is a regular for his national side but not for his club is quite frustrating and unusual because that obviously indicates that he has some ability considering the talent Uruguay have at their disposal.
The fact that he was down the pecking order of wingers at MUFC doesn't sit well with me because when looking at the opportunities given to the likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in particular, Pellistri never really had a fair shot.
You could argue that he is better than some of those as well.
Really disappointing tbh, but it always seemed as though Erik ten Hag never fancied him despite being the man to give him his United debut.
With all due respect, I also believe that Pellistri is better than the Greek league. I think his talents are better of utilized in Spain or Italy. Those are better and more competitive leagues where he can truly test his ability.
Some would say that maybe he isn't that good which is why he moved to Greece and didn't have much interest from other clubs.
I disagree but perhaps that could be true as well.
I hope he goes and smashes it at Panathinaikos and show everyone exactly what Facundo Pellistri is all about.
Go on Son!
Background Image: Facundo Pellistri scores in a pre-season friendly against Liverpool | Creator: JACK TAYLOR | Credit: AFP via Getty Images - Stretty News