Manchester United report: Facundo Pellistri future to be decided this week after long-awaited debut

Facundo Pellistri United
(Image credit: Getty)

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up whether to send Facundo Pellistri out on loan or keep him at Old Trafford amid interest from Watford.

The 21-year-old made his first-team debut this week against Charlton, coming off the bench to set up one of Marcus Rashford’s two late goals in a 3-0 win that sent United into the League Cup semi-finals.

It was a long-awaited moment for the Uruguay international, who joined United in October 2020 from Penarol before going on loan to Alaves.

Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag gave Pellistri his debut against Charlton (Image credit: Getty)

Pellistri’s lack of game time at his club didn’t stop him from earning a place in Uruguay’s World Cup squad and he featured in all three group games for his country as they suffered an early exit in Qatar. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, United will meet the winger’s agent this week to decide his future.

Championship side Watford want to bring him in on loan until the end of the season, The Telegraph reports.

But Erik ten Hag might now consider giving the youngster more game time after finally handing him his debut.

United aren’t short of options in the wide positions, with Antony, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho vying for a place in the starting side.

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Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has made winning trophies with his 'professional New Year's resolution' for 2023; United haven't claimed any silverware since the League Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho some six years ago.

United are considering a swoop for Mohammed Kudus, who starred for Ghana at World Cup 2022.

And Harry Maguire has laughed off talk that he could join Aston Villa, but Tottenham are interested in the England international.

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio. 

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