Facundo Pellistri may have caught Erik ten Hag’s eye, but his true Manchester United breakthrough looks set to be delayed again.
The 21-year-old has been at Old Trafford for almost three years, having signed from Penarol during the reign of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, he is still waiting for his first senior start, having thus far failed to make the grade.
Solskjaer sent the forward on two loan spells during his time in the dugout, while his successor has opted to keep him at Carrington for his first season in charge. And although he has only been given six competitive appearances, Pellistri has impressed his new manager.
"He is the example by deserving his position by performance on the training [ground]," Ten Hag said of Pellistri earlier this month. “I said the other day, I did not select him for Liverpool and it was not even totally justified because he was training that well.”
Ten Hag stuck to his word and gave the youngster a 16-minute cameo during the recent draw with Southampton. But hopes of an immediate role in the first-team still look bleak, with recent reports suggesting a loan move is on the cards.
Manchester Evening News claim that Ten Hag is ready to sanction another temporary move in order for him to gain more regular football. But while his wait for a role at club level goes on, he has found a spot for the Uruguay national team.
Pellistri was named in the South American’s World Cup squad, appearing in all three of their group games, starting two. He has continued to prove his mettle to his compatriots as well, with one of the nation’s greatest ever players predicting big things.
Luis Suarez, a man who is no stranger to United fans, came directly up against Pellistri during his loan spell with LalIga outfit Alaves. On the whole, it was a disappointing season in Spain, but Suarez saw enough, telling the youngster: “Continue like this and good things will come.”
That prediction could still come true, but it now looks likely to be at least another season until United bear any of the fruits. Pellistri still has two-and-a-half years on his deal with the Red Devils and Ten Hag is still hopeful for his future.
Ten Hag may be willing to send him out on loan, but it is claimed any deal will not have a permanent option included, with plenty of excitement over his prospects still present. "I see a future in him," the United boss said after his debut in February.
"He is doing really well and we have to see what is the best [for him]. He is progressing. Against Everton [in a behind-closed-doors friendly], I was really happy with his performance.
"I was happy with his performance at the World Cup so his progress is really good and now he is coming on and has an effect. So that's the next step that I say: 'well done Pelli, keep going'."
To say Suarez is an unpopular figure at United would be an understatement. But few would mind if he gets the last laugh with his forecast for Pellistri.
