Manchester United’s first summer arrival is confirmed, with the winger discussing ambitions for the forthcoming season.

Manchester United still have work to do to secure their European qualification next season, but one man has already confirmed he will join Erik ten Hag’s squad for pre-season.

There are still many variables to sort out before Manchester United begin their rebuild this summer, but one apparent certainty is that Facundo Pellistri will rejoin his teammates in pre-season.

Uruguayan winger Pellistri, 22, started the season in Erik ten Hag’s side and played in the Premier League opener against Wolves. He made 14 appearances in the first half of the season, including 11 from the bench, but was loaned to Granada after becoming unhappy with his lack of minutes at Old Trafford.

He has scored two goals in ten La Liga matches, in the 3-3 draw against Barcelona and the 3-0 victory against Osasuna on the final day. However, this was not enough to save Granada from relegation and relegation looks almost certain with a 10-point lead over the safe side and only five games remaining. Pellistri is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025 and remains in contact with his parent club. Granada’s expected relegation could limit his options for a permanent departure, and United fans can expect to see him back in England as he weighs up his options.

“I talk constantly with Manchester United,” Pellistri told Sport890 (via United in Focus) after the weekend victory over Osasuna. “After each game we exchange (messages).

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do after La Liga ends. What I am clear about is that I’m going to have to do the pre-season with Manchester.”

Although United’s plans are not yet confirmed, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to sell almost everyone in the squad for the right price. The only exceptions would be Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.
Pellistri left Penarol for United in a £7.65million deal in 2020, with the Uruguayan club having a reloan request refused. However, he only made his senior debut for the English club in January 2023, after two loan spells at Alaves in Spain.

Back in January, South American agent Edgardo Lasalvia suggested it would be difficult for Pellistri to stay at Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag remained in the dugout. “Ten Hag did not use him, appreciate him or treat him like a professional,” Lasalvia said.

Speaking to AUF TV (via ESPN) in March, Pellistri had mixed feelings about his time at Granada. “I have a lot of minutes in Granada. I’m happy with this step, but sad about how the group’s level is going, we all want to reach the goal, the finish line, there are still opportunities: as long as those opportunities exist we will continue to fight.” He said.