“This was why we sold him. We never wanted him to go but we have to. We made plans. He has a very big High potential…” Erik ten Hag sends message to outgoing star as Manchester United confirm departure of Very Talented playmaker who is loved by the fans

Erik ten Hag has shared a message for Facundo Pellistri as the young winger departs from Manchester United after nearly four years at the club.

Facundo Pellistri has officially left Manchester United, signing with Greek side Panathinaikos, almost four years after joining the Red Devils in October 2020.

Pellistri’s time at United has been marked by inconsistency, with manager Erik ten Hag not fully integrating him into the first-team squad. Pellistri was signed from Uruguayan club Peñarol in 2020 for a fee of around £7 million, with the expectation that he would develop into a key winger in the coming seasons.

However, while Alejandro Garnacho made significant progress and Amad Diallo emerged as another strong option, Pellistri’s opportunities in the first team became limited. As a result, Pellistri was sent out on loan multiple times, including two stints at Alaves in La Liga and a recent loan to Granada in January 2024.

Despite limited game time at United, Pellistri showed promise on the international stage with Uruguay, particularly during their 2022 World Cup campaign, where he played a vital role.

Addressing Pellistri’s departure in a pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brighton, Ten Hag explained that although the 22-year-old is talented, there wasn’t enough space for him in the squad.

“He’s a very talented player, and he made great progress last year, but we have a lot of competition in the wide areas,” Ten Hag said.

“We evaluate what we need as a squad, but every player also needs a clear perspective. At the moment, we had many players competing for those positions, and we couldn’t offer him the right pathway. He has high potential and needs game time to develop further.

“He will get that opportunity at Panathinaikos.”

After his move was confirmed, Pellistri shared a heartfelt message to United fans: “Dear Reds, my time has come to say goodbye. It’s been an incredible journey, full of unforgettable moments and experiences that I will cherish forever.

“Your unwavering support, both on and off the pitch, is something I will always remember. I’ve grown as a player and as a person, and that’s thanks to you.

“As the saying goes, once a Red, always a Red. Manchester will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish the club and all of you nothing but the best for the future. With gratitude, Facu Pellistri.”