‘Great potential’ – Well-known figure backs Man Utd starlet to shine as loan spell looms

Former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has given his verdict on young winger Facundo Pellistri.

The Uruguayan came through the ranks at Penarol before having a single season in their first team in 2019-20. He put in some impressive displays to earn a transfer to United in October 2020.

He cost the Red Devils a reported £9million after being tipped for big things in Europe.

Pellistri has spent the last year on loan at Alaves in Spain. He has made 31 appearances so far, including 17 in La Liga this season, but is yet to register a single goal contribution.

Alaves’ new manager has little use for the starlet, resulting in rumours of a return to England.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Pellistri could move to the Championship temporarily as several terms in the division are eyeing his signature.

None have been named as things stand, but United are considering the proposals as they want Pellistri to mature with regular game time.

Facundo Pellistri future predicted

Compatriot Forlan, who had a disappointing time at Old Trafford but also starred for Atletico and Villarreal in Spain, believes Pellistri will one day break into the United first team.

“I think he’s adapting really well,” Forlan told club media (via MEN). “When [United] talked to me about him, I told them everything – he has great potential as a player, good skills, is quick but still young.

“You know it’s not easy to arrive at a great club like Manchester United.

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“I think being on loan at Alaves was good and now he has an opportunity to go back again. It’s a good opportunity for him, he’s still growing a little bit.

“In the future, he can have the opportunity to play for the first team at Manchester United.”

van de Beek receives Premier League offer

Meanwhile, United outcast Donny van de Beek has received another Premier League offer following his rejection of Newcastle.

The Magpies were hoping to bring van de Beek in for the remainder of the campaign, in a bid to improve their survival hopes.

But a report from The Telegraph claims van de Beek has no intention of involving himself in a relegation scrap. It seems he will reject any approaches from Eddie Howe’s side for the remainder of the transfer window.

van de Beek could still leave the Red Devils as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims approaches have been made by two clubs, with one being in the Premier League.

According to the Italian, Crystal Palace have asked to take the Dutchman on loan.

Ralf Rangnick does not want to lose the player, but Palace are willing to ‘push’ for his services.

The Eagles will face competition from Valencia in the transfer race. However, an in-Prem move would make the most sense for van de Beek.

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