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Facundo Pellistri agent hints at Manchester United exit

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 21 January 2023

Facundo Pellistri agent hints at Man United exit

The agent of Manchester United attacker Facundo Pellistri admits that the 21-year-old may need to leave the club in order to solve his game-time problems.

The agent of Manchester United attacker Facundo Pellistri has admitted that his client may have to seek out opportunities elsewhere to address his lack of game time.

The Uruguay international did not make a single first-team appearance for the Red Devils for over two years after joining from Penarol in the summer of 2020.

Pellistri spent 18 months on loan with Deportivo Alaves between the winter of 2021 and summer of 2022, making 35 appearances but failing to bank a goal or assist.

The 21-year-old finally made his first-team debut for Erik ten Hag's side in their EFL Cup quarter-final with Charlton Athletic on January 10, setting up Marcus Rashford in his six-minute cameo.

However, Pellistri is yet to experience his first taste of Premier League football and is already being tipped to leave the club, be it permanently or on another loan deal.

Uruguay's Facundo Pellistri pictured on June 5, 2022 © Reuters

It has been claimed that Brazilian giants Flamengo are set to sign the South American on a temporary deal, which Ten Hag is supposedly reluctant to sanction.

Pellistri's representative Edgardo Lasalvia has now revealed that Man United are keen to keep the attacker on the books, but he has not ruled out a move away in a bid to improve his on-field fortunes.

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

As well as Flamengo, La Liga side Valencia are supposedly interested in bringing Pellistri back to Spain, although the Uruguay international affirmed that he was happy at Old Trafford despite his peripheral role.

"I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and it came. Of course, I'm really happy because of the moment and the way it was, and that is incredible," Pellistri told MUTV.

Manchester United's Facundo Pellistri in action against Derby County on July 18, 2021 © Reuters

"I had the luck to be at Old Trafford in other squads, but unluckily I didn't enter the pitch to play. I looked at the crowd and all the time I thought 'when will my moment arrive to play?' And today was the day and I enjoyed it a lot.

"Yes of course [I was eager to play]. I am very happy, and I want to help my teammates to achieve all the trophies that we have in mind and to win every game we have because this is an incredible club and very big.

"All players want to play and of course I want more. I will fight and train hard to continue this way."

Pellistri is expected to be named on the bench when Man United - who sit third in the Premier League table - take on table toppers Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

While Pellistri's future is being called into question, the Red Devils are trying to agree fresh terms with fellow attacker Alejandro Garnacho and supposedly want to tie the 18-year-old down to their longest-ever contract.