Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a contract extension for Facundo Pellistri. A fresh commitment to the Uruguayan would come as good news for Alejandro Garnacho, who evidently rates him highly after an important contribution in pre-season.
Despite being more than two years younger, Garnacho has managed to do what Pellistri has not – nail down a spot in the United first team. Last season, 19-year-old Garnacho managed an impressive 34 appearances in all competitions.
By comparison, Pellistri has notched just 10 senior matches in his entire Red Devils career. All of them came last campaign, with manager Erik ten Hag gradually phasing the winger into the fold.
Already a regular for Uruguay at international level, many have been left to wonder why things are moving so slowly for Pellistri at Old Trafford.
But it looks as though the 21-year-old will be given more time to worm his way into Ten Hag’s long-term plans. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are making progress regarding a contract extension for Pellistri, which is being treated as a matter of ‘priority’.
If all goes to plan, the youngster will pen a new long-term deal before leaving on loan for the upcoming season. Dutch outfit FC Twente is deemed his most likely destination.
Although Ten Hag is seemingly keen to secure Pellistri’s future, the Dutchman effectively has no choice but to let him leave on loan in 2023/24 due to the amount of wingers already at Old Trafford.
In fighting for regular minutes Garnacho is joined by Antony, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo, while summer signing Mason Mount can also play out wide.