What should Manchester United do with Facundo Pellistri this summer? | OneFootball

Manchester United are yet to agree a deal that would see Facundo Pellistri extend his stay at the club. Before penning his signature, however, should the youngster seriously consider a permanent transfer away?

The young winger is currently under contract until 2025 (with the option of a further year), but United are keen to tie him down for longer—the Manchester Evening News reported last week that the club have recently offered improved terms.

But Pellistri, 21, should be cautious in his decision making.

As history has told us, United are not the most suited to caring for their academy players’ long-term careers for the most part.

Look at Dean Henderson as an example: the goalkeeper has been itching for a permanent transfer away from Old Trafford for several years in order to stamp his authority on his own career. United have fiddled about with loan moves or with the pretence that he will be the squad’s first-choice No.1. His disillusionment has led to disdain from fans towards a successful academy product.

Going back a few years, there were the likes of Devonte Redmond. The central midfielder—although not blessed with an elite quality skillset—was strung through academy football until 21 years of age before he was granted a short loan move to Scunthorpe in the lower leagues.

Axel Tuanzebe, who made his name alongside Redmond in the under-18s and reserves, was set up to become a key first team member after his mesmerising defensive thwarting of Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League—he was almost completely forgotten about for the next 18 months, a significant portion of time for a young professional footballer’s career.

Although United are associated with nurturing, rewarding, and developing young academy players, the actual