Facundo Pellistri told to leave Manchester United in World Cup year by Uruguay favourite

Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gus Poyet has suggested that Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri should considering leaving Old Trafford.

Pellistri, 20, is yet to feature for the Reds' first-team, but has been named on the bench twice - against Paris Saint-Germain and Basaksehir FK in 2020.

However, the Uruguayan winger has made six appearances - starting in five - for his country, also recording three assists.

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The 20-year-old, who joined United from Penarol in October 2020 for £9million, spent last season on loan at Spanish side Alaves and struggled for regular opportunities, meaning it proved to be a frustrating campaign for him.

Former Brighton manager and Uruguay international Poyet has since said that Pellistri should leave United ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year if he wants to play for his country.

"Yes, Pellistri will struggle to get game time. It would be good for him to go somewhere and play, because the World Cup is around the corner and he is very important for the Uruguay team because the coach [Diego Alonso] has lots of faith in his ability, he's a proper winger," Poyet told Midnite.

"He needs to find a place to play, like Luis Suarez who is playing at Nacional week in week out, training with the first team and getting game time three months before the World Cup, Pellistri should do something similar."

Earlier this month, United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that Pellistri would be sidelined until at least September because of an ankle injury. He was forced off in the closing stages of United's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

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