‘Ready’ – Panathinaikos manager tempted to give Pellistri his debut one day after United departure

Facundo Pellistri is no longer a Manchester United player.

The Uruguay left Manchester United after joining Greek Cup holders Panathinaikos on a permanent deal with includes a four-year contract.

Diego Alonso, the former Uruguay coach who gave Pellistri his senior international debut, had a huge influence on the deal. He now reunites with the one-time Penarol starlet in Athens.

Alonso confirmed that he will consider starting Pellistri in France, saying (via Prasinoforos): “Pellistri is here. We will see if we can use him, possibly tomorrow or in the next match.

“The player is ready.”

The Panathinaikos manager is wary of raising expectations too high on Pellistri.

He added: “I had a chat with him. He has had very good physical preparation at United. He had a longer holiday period because he played in the Copa America.

“The work periods there are not the same as those here, so we will have to adapt him to our own plan. I will ask for patience.”

Pellistri, 22, could be thrown in at the deep at his new club with a potential debut on the cards tonight against RC Lens in a crucial Conference League qualifier.

The winger only secured his move to the Greek giants on Wednesday, and he has since written a message to United fans which transfer target Manuel Ugarte reacted to with a ‘heart’ emoji.

We wish Pellistri well at Panathinaikos.

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