Erik ten Hag will afford chance to Facundo Pellistri in bid to solve problem position
Erik ten Hag will reportedly give Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri an audition in pre-season to prove he is worth a first-team squad place next term.
The 20-year-old winger has failed to make his mark at Old Trafford after signing from Club Atletico Penarol in October 2020. United are understood to have paid £9m for the starlet, who signed a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.
Pellestri’s long-term future at Manchester United remains uncertain despite some dazzling displays for Uruguay. He has made three appearances for the national side this month and impressed in a right-wing role.
But his club for has been disappointing. Last summer he re-joined LaLiga club Alaves after spending the second half of the 2020-21 campaign there.
However, has gone on to make just six starts this season and failed to make an appearance in the final five games of the season.
He will head back to Manchester this summer and Erik ten Hag is ready to assess the player.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Pellistri “will be given a chance” to show Ten Hag what he can do in pre-season.
Pellistri on form for Uruguay
Pellestri is desperate for first-team matches as he chases a World Cup spot for Uruguay in November and December. And Ten Hag is ready to afford Pellistri some game time in pre-season to decide on the player’s future.
A loan exit has not been ruled out and that may well be the way forward for the winger if Ten Hag does not feel Pellistri is ready for the Premier League.
United do have a weakness on the right wing. While Pellistri has grabbed three assists for Uruguay in six games in 2022.
United’s right side has proved to be a problem area.
Jadon Sancho made the majority of his appearances on the left in his debut season. While Marcus Rashford has struggled on the right in what was a season to forget for the England man.
Anthony Elanga also recently prefers playing on the left as well and Mason Greenwood remains unavailable for selection.
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