MANCHESTER UNITED flop Facundo Pellistri is on the verge of leaving the club, according to reports.
The winger was signed four years ago but failed to nail down a regular place in the squad.
He was subsequently loaned out on three occasions, with two spells at Alaves and a stint at Granada last season.
Pellistri is now set to make a permanent move with United in advanced talks with Panathinaikos over his sale, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Negotiations are ongoing and Pellistri could leave in the next few days.
He was signed for £9million but has made just 25 appearances for the Red Devils.
Erik ten Hag gave him the opportunity to impress last term, with Pellistri playing 14 games.
But he did not make the desired impact so was mostly left on the bench with the Dutchman preferring to use Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
Pellistri, 22, has dropped further down the pecking order following the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee, who netted the winner for United against Fulham on his debut.
Ten Hag also started Amad Diallo in the season opener and against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
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DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay could also leave before the end of the window but the Scot is desperate to remain in the Premier League.
Napoli have held talks with the midfielder while Fulham, Brighton and Crystal Palace are all interested.
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