OFFICIAL: Man Utd star sold after falling out with Ten Hag

Tom Weber

Updated: 21 Aug 2024 16:22 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Facundo Pellistri has officially joined Panathinaikos from Manchester United.

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The Uruguay winger arrived at Old Trafford as a big talent in 2020. Four years on, however, he has departed Man Utd having never managed to live up to his potential.

The 22-year-old failed to establish himself as a regular fixture in the Red Devils' first team and loan stints at Alaves and Granada ultimately proved fruitless.

Strangely enough, Pellistri has now departed Man Utd having made more senior appearances for Uruguay (26) than the Manchester giants (25). His exit has been inevitable for some time given that his agent publically fired shots at manager Erik ten Hag when his client signed for Granada in January.

“Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows. If Ten Hag continues, it’s going to be difficult. Ten Hag hasn’t used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional,” Edgardo Lasalvia told Sport 890.

Pellistri joins Panathinaikos

Now, the 22-year-old has completed a permanent exit from Old Trafford in what is a slightly surprising move. Rather than heading to a top-five league, Pellistri has joined Greek giants Panathinaikos.

The deal is worth €6 million upfront and a potential €2m in bonuses, according to Fabrizio Romano. Crucially, Man Utd secured a massive sell-on percentage on the Uruguayan.

Romano states that the Red Devils are due 45 per cent of any potential fee Panathinaikos generate from a future transfer of Pellistri. Still, Man Utd have, as things stand, made a loss on the youngster, having signed him from Penarol for €8.5m.

Man Utd will hope to complete more major sales in the coming days in a bid to be able to afford top target Manuel Ugarte and, potentially, another offensive reinforcement.