Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'to push for Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri sales'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 27 February 2024

Man Utd 'to push for Van de Beek, Pellistri sales'

Manchester United are reportedly ready to push for the sales of Donny van de Beek and Facundo Pellistri in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United will reportedly push for the sales of Donny van de Beek and Facundo Pellistri during the summer transfer window.

When the pair were signed in 2020, the expectation was that both players would command first-team places, either immediately or in the future, at Old Trafford.

Instead, neither of the pair have been able to make a sustained impact, particularly Van de Beek who cost in the region of £39m when he arrived from Ajax.

A lack of form and injuries have restricted Van de Beek to just 62 appearances in all competitions, with only two goals and two assists coming during that time.

Meanwhile, Pellistri has never been given a sustained period in the senior ranks, making just 24 appearances and instead spending spells out on loan.

Facundo Pellistri in action for Manchester United in August 2023 © Reuters

According to Football Insider, United are ready to cash in on both players, albeit it being stated that their valuations must be met.

What United expect to recoup for Van de Beek remains unclear, but current loan club Eintracht Frankfurt allegedly possess an option to secure his services on a permanent basis for a fee that could reach just under £12m.

Van de Beek has at least been provided with chances by the German side, with a total of four starts and one substitute outing coming in the Bundesliga, but the 26-year-old has not spent longer than 67 minutes on the pitch in a single match.

He was also not preferred when Dino Toppmoller made alterations to his Europa Conference League squad for the knockout stages, leaving Van de Beek with much to prove to earn a full-time switch.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring their first goal with Mason Mount and Facundo Pellistri on September 26, 2023 © Reuters

As for Pellistri, he is enjoying far more success during a loan spell with Granada, making a total of three starts and contributing a goal and an assist in a 3-3 draw away at Barcelona.

Should he continue to impress, the Uruguay international will not be short of offers at the end of the season, when he has a year left on his contract.

United are eager to part ways with as many fringe players as possible as they plan a rebuild under minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of footballing operations.

There have been suggestions that United could look to part ways with as many as 11 players in the summer, a consequence of some established names having less than 18 months remaining on their respective deals.