Manchester United owe a debt of gratitude to Facundo Pellistri after the winger's role in convincing Uruguay team-mate Manuel Ugarte to join the club.
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Ugarte traded PSG for Man UtdSpoke to Pellistri about new clubUruguay co-star left Old TraffordWHAT HAPPENED?
Ugarte completed a long-awaited transfer to Old Trafford on the final day of the transfer window after United and Paris Saint-Germain came to an agreement worth a reported a £51 million ($60m). While Ugarte traded Paris for Manchester, his compatriot Pellistri left the club on a permanent basis to join Panathinaikos.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite his failure to establish himself as a first-team regular at United and opting to continue his career elsewhere, the 22-year-old attacker spoke in glowing terms of the Red Devils when Ugarte asked for his opinion before he agreed to the deal.
WHAT UGARTE SAID
Asked by club media why he decided to move to United, Ugarte said joining "one of the best teams in the world" appealed to him, but he added: "I also spoke a lot with Facu Pellistri and he told me all about everything: the atmosphere that's generated, the matchday atmosphere that builds up at Old Trafford is incredible. So yes, I'm really excited. I'd love to experience United's legendary stadium as a player and feel the presence of the supporters."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR UGARTE?
Ugarte was not registered in time to make his debut as United suffered a 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. Having seen midfielder Casemiro crumble in that game, coach Erik ten Hag will be eager to bring Ugarte into the fold when he settles into his new surroundings.
