There was a time when Facundo Pellistri was expected to achieve great things at Manchester United. The forward was snapped up by the Red Devils in 2020 when he was just 18 years old. He joined the club from Uruguayan side Penarol and many thought he was going to become one of United's next great players.
He showed plenty of promise as a teenager and after a spell on loan at Deportivo Alaves, he was brought into the senior team under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman wasn't in charge when Pellistri was signed, but he was a big fan of the forward and gave him his opportunity in the first-team.
It's been said that Ten Hag even preferred the Uruguayan to another young forward on the books at Old Trafford, Amad Diallo. While the latter was shipped out on multiple loans during the former Ajax boss' tenure in charge, the former was included in the first-team. It didn't work out, though, and after 25 total appearances for the Red Devils — with just two assists to show for it — Pellistri was sent out on loan again. This time he joined Granada temporarily and then he sealed a permanent move to Panathinaikos in Greece. It was a deal that left some United fans furious, but after a season at the club, though, things haven't quite gone to plan.
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After leaving United in 2024, there was a risk that Pellistri would make the Red Devils look foolish. So many players who struggled at Old Trafford have instantly improved after leaving the team. Antony is the latest example of that. This hasn't been the case so far for Pellistri, though. Over the course of his first season in Greece, the forward has struggled to find his feet.
Across all competitions, he has played 35 times for the Greek club so far, scoring four goals and assisting a further five. It's not a bad return by any stretch, and he's already scored more goals for the team than he has for anyone else in his career, but he's not taken the leap that many expected.
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A graphic of his season at Panathinaikos has emerged online and United fans have been quick to share their feelings about it on social media.
The Red Devils supporters couldn't resist reacting to the post. They were quick to point out how Ten Hag had preferred the star over Diallo, who has since become a key figure and one of United's brightest stars. One fan took to X (Twitter) and said: "Thinking how bad Ten Hag actually was to chose him over Amad lmao."
Another shared that sentiment, posting: "Ten Hag chose him over Amad." A third supporter stated: "After he missed that goal against Bayern then I knew this brother was below average." Another shared their disappointment in Pellistri, saying: "Really hoped he would do well after a move but he has been underwhelming. Really disappointed with him."
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and accurate as of 16/06/2025