Manchester United is currently grappling with a decision concerning Facundo Pellistri, and the upcoming weekend could provide valuable insights into their choice.

Pellistri hasn’t secured his future at Old Trafford

Earlier this week, news surfaced that Manchester United possess the option to loan out Facundo Pellistri to Sheffield United, with The Telegraph indicating the Blades’ interest in the winger.

A loan is the best option for him?

This situation presents a dilemma for Manchester United. Pellistri has yet to secure a league start for the club and might benefit from a loan stint. Conversely, his impactful performances off the bench have caught attention, especially since Antony has struggled to impress on the right wing in the initial two fixtures. Fans have voiced concerns that sending the Uruguayan on loan might be a misstep.

Manchester United hasn’t arrived at a verdict yet, and they have the flexibility to make this decision right up until the upcoming week’s transfer deadline.

This is where the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest becomes crucial. Providing Pellistri his inaugural Premier League start could be a wise move, offering him an opportunity to showcase his worth and potential impact. Pellistri’s style significantly differs from Antony’s; he tends to charge towards the byline and deliver crosses with his right foot, while Antony prefers to cut in and shoot.

A starting position and a good performance can change his career

While success against Forest can’t be guaranteed, the match would serve as a litmus test for Pellistri’s readiness. It could also serve as a motivational nudge for Antony, reminding him that his spot in the lineup is far from secure.

The uncertainty around Pellistri’s immediate future is palpable. If Manchester United had already determined that a loan was best, they would have acted accordingly, sending him to Sheffield United by now. The fact that they haven’t implies an ongoing evaluation and deliberation.

Ten Hag should provide Pellistri with a mere 15-minute cameo from the bench

Providing Pellistri with a mere 15-minute cameo from the bench against Forest wouldn’t yield significant insights. Therefore, giving him the starting opportunity to showcase his abilities would be a more meaningful assessment. If he’s not yet primed, this experience will reveal that, but a full 90-minute outing this weekend could potentially be transformative for his career trajectory.