Loaned out Man Utd star reveals one regret of Old Trafford career so far

Facundo Pellistri has admitted he would have liked more time at Manchester United before being loaned out to Alaves.

Pellistri joined Man Utd from Penarol in his native Uruguay in the late stages of the 2020 summer transfer window.

Despite initially being promised a first-team role, the winger found himself playing in the reserves while he adapted to English football.

He seemed to be making decent progress at under-23 level, scoring two goals from six games in Premier League 2. However, the 19-year-old wanted to be playing at senior level.

Therefore, United chiefs decided to send him out on loan just a few months after signing him. He is currently plying his trade in La Liga with Alaves.

So far in Spain, Pellistri has enjoyed slightly more first-team action. He has made two substitute appearances in La Liga so far.

Now, reflecting on his first few months at United, he admits he wanted more time to settle at Old Trafford.

“I am very happy despite the rapid changes, faster than I imagined,” Pellistri told ESPN South America.

“I was hoping to have a little more time in Manchester. But on the club’s side they have organised what to do with each player.”

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Pellistri’s first two appearances for Alaves came towards the end of February, totalling 77 minutes combined.

Again, it seems he needed time to settle into new surroundings. But he is happy that he is now able to repay the coach’s faith.

“The coach gave me the last two games and he is giving me confidence,” Pellistri said. “My team-mates too.”


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Alaves confident in Pellistri

Back in February, shortly after Pellistri had signed on at Alaves, their club president Alfonso Fernandez de Troconiz explained why they thought he would be a good addition.

“We have full confidence in him and this is why we really fought to get him in on loan,” the club’s president told the Daily Mail.

“We really think he can contribute a lot to us, we are fully aware he is a young player and he is beginning his European career and he will need to improve.

“But we think we are an ideal team for him to improve with because Alaves is a small club and I think this could favour his improvement.

“We are convinced that he is going to help us have a magnificent second part of the season.”

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