Facundo Pellistri might soon get his Manchester United wish

Diego Forlan said he was eager to see his former player become a first-team regular at Manchester United this summer. Facundo Pellistri made his senior debut under the ex-Old Trafford star at Uruguayan club Penarol before taking the trip over to Manchester.

The first few years were rocky and two loan spells at Alaves in Spain ended in rather tepid fashion despite a promising start. It led to rumours that the youngster may leave the club in January, and his agent was the first to fuel that fire. "I think with a good World Cup, as we think he is going to have, his departure [from United] is imminent," Edgardo Lasalvia told native media.

After playing 58 minutes in pre-season, Pellistri failed to make his Manchester United debut before jetting off for the World Cup. In Qatar, he entered a select group of players to have made their World Cup debut before their first appearance for their parent club.

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Pellistri played all three group games as his country bowed out at the group stages and he would soon finally make his maiden United outing. That came on January 10 when he came on as a substitute against Charlton in the League Cup quarter-finals, grabbing an assist for Marcus Rashford and backing up the hype from those who had been following his academy exploits.

Pellistri went on to make nine more senior appearances and made his full debut in the 1-0 away win at Real Betis in the Europa League. Erik ten Hag was impressed with his showings in the second half of the season and club officials were keen for him to continue his development.

A loan away was considered as Ten Hag could not guarantee ample game-time for