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Man Utd set to unleash exciting teenager who Erik ten Hag 'prefers over Facundo Pellistri'
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly willing to sell Facundo Pellistri in the hope of keeping a more promising winger.
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Manchester United are prepared to let Facundo Pellistri leave the club permanently at the end of his impending loan move to Granada, according to reports. Erik ten Hag is claimed to believe another of his young wingers has a higher ceiling than Pellistri, who the La Liga outfit may push to keep beyond the summer.
Pellistri is reportedly set to join Granada in a short-term deal after Ten Hag green-lit the switch despite his limited attacking options in the second half of an already troublesome season.
There won't be a buy option in Pellistri's loan contract, unlike a few of the 10 players to have already left United temporarily this month.
However, Granada are said to be keen to sign the 22-year-old permanently in the summer, and Ten Hag could already have his replacement at Old Trafford.
According to the Mail, the Dutchman has a feeling that teenage winger Omari Forson may have a brighter future than Pellistri.
Ten Hag had named the 19-year-old in a few matchday squads before making him the fifth academy star to debut under his watch in the 2-0 FA Cup win at Wigan Athletic earlier this month.
Forson was introduced from the bench in Sunday's 4-2 triumph at Newport County, while Pellistri and Amad Diallo were unused substitutes.
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But despite rating him highly, Ten Hag is concerned that United will lose Forson on a free transfer at the end of the campaign once his contract expires.
The England U20 international has reportedly rejected the club's latest contract offer, but talks are ongoing to find a solution.
It's been claimed that Forson wants assurances over a pathway to regular playing time if he commits his future to Old Trafford.
And by sanctioning Pellistri's loan exit, Ten Hag could view the starlet as a genuine option on the wing to add firepower to United's diminished attacking department.
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Forson has registered seven goals and two assists in eight appearances for United U21s this season and will be optimistic of more opportunities at senior level in the coming months.
Jadon Sancho returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan earlier this month before Anthony Martial suffered a groin injury that has ruled him out until April.
It leaves Rasmus Hojlund as Ten Hag's only natural striker, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad options on the wing.
There could be plans to establish Forson as a first-team player before the end of the season, though, so United can afford to cash in on Pellistri in the summer.