Manchester United's new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is prepared to take a ruthless approach in reshaping the club's squad, with several fringe players expected to be shown the exit door this summer. Among those likely to depart is Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri, whose future at Old Trafford appears increasingly uncertain.
Ratcliffe, who has been working diligently behind the scenes to assemble a new management team, including the appointment of former Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada and the potential hiring of Dan Ashworth as sporting director, is now turning his attention to the playing staff. The British businessman believes that the current squad is bloated with too many players who are unlikely to make a meaningful impact in the first team.
According to a report from the Mirror, Pellistri, 22, is one of the players who fits this description. The winger, who cost United roughly £7.25m when signed from Penarol in 2020, has made just 24 appearances for the Red Devils, failing to score a single goal. Despite showing promise during his loan spells with Alaves and Granada, Pellistri has struggled to break into the first team at Old Trafford.
Edgardo Lasalvia, Pellistri's agent, recently aimed a swipe at manager Erik ten Hag, suggesting that the Dutchman hasn't valued or treated the Uruguayan as a professional. "Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows," Lasalvia said in February. "If Ten Hag continues, it's going to be difficult. Ten Hag hasn't used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional."
Pellistri's current loan spell with Granada, where he has scored once and provided two assists in seven matches, could be the catalyst for a permanent move away from United. The Mirror reports that the winger is hoping to secure a permanent transfer to the Spanish club this summer, despite having one year remaining on his contract with the Red Devils.
The Uruguayan's potential departure is just one aspect of the sweeping changes expected at Manchester United under Ratcliffe's ownership. Major names like Raphael Varane and Casemiro could also be on the chopping block, with the club hesitant to trigger Varane's one-year contract extension due to his declining form and high wages. Other squad players linked with exits include Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Christian Eriksen, and Donny van de Beek.
Pellistri's situation is particularly disappointing given the promises made to him upon his arrival at Old Trafford. Penarol secretary Evaristo Gonzalez claimed that United had assured the winger he would go "straight into the first team." However, it took Pellistri more than two years to make his debut for the club, and he has never been given a consistent run in the team.
As Ratcliffe's squad overhaul begins to take shape, it is clear that the new owner is not afraid to make tough decisions in order to reshape the team. While Pellistri's potential departure may not garner the same headlines as some of the more high-profile exits, it is indicative of the ruthless approach being taken to trim the fat and create a leaner, more competitive squad.
The coming months will be crucial for Manchester United as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season and re-establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in English and European football. With Ratcliffe at the helm and a new management team in place, the club appears to be on the cusp of a new era - one that may not include players like Facundo Pellistri.
