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Manchester United 'yet to make decision on Facundo Pellistri future'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 January 2023

Man United 'yet to make decision on Pellistri future'

Manchester United are yet to decide whether to send Facundo Pellistri out on loan for the second half of the season, according to a report.

Manchester United will reportedly make a decision 'next week' on the future of Facundo Pellistri.

The Uruguay international is currently being heavily linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford, with a number of teams said to be interested in his signature.

Flamengo were believed to be in the running for the attacker, but according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, a loan switch to the Brazilian outfit is no longer a possibility.

Romano claims that Valencia, in addition to two Serie A clubs, are still in the picture, although Man United are yet to make a final decision on the best course of action.

The journalist claims that the 20-time English champions will decide 'next week' whether to keep hold of the South American or allow him to move on a short-term basis.

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

The 21-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Penarol in October 2020, but he had to wait until earlier this month to make his debut for the club, featuring off the bench against Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup.

Pellistri provided an assist in the 3-0 success for the Red Devils, and he has been on the bench for the team's last two Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.

The attacker's agent Edgardo Lasalvia recently hinted at a loan exit before the end of the month.

"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."

However, Pellistri said that he was "very happy" at the club following his debut against Charlton.

"[It was] amazing (to make his debut)," Pellistri told MUTV. "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.

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 has had two separate loan spells at Alaves during his time with Man United, representing the Spanish side on 35 occasions in all competitions.

A return to Spain is believed to appeal to the South American, although the 20-time English champions are likely to want assurances over playing time before deciding on a possible destination.