Respected journalist claims Man Utd player is "unhappy" at Old Trafford

South American football expert Tim Vickery has claimed that Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri is 'unhappy' with his current situation at Old Trafford.

Despite being a regular on the United bench this season, the Uruguayan has only made one senior appearance for the club this season, in the 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup.

Prior to the beginning of this campaign, Pellistri had an 18-month loan spell at Alaves, and returned to United's senior squad for this season.

He was named in the Uruguay squad for the World Cup in Qatar, featuring in all three group games for his country.

And after his senior debut on Tuesday, United boss Erik ten Hag hinted that the winger would be given more opportunities.

He told the club's official website: "I see a future in him. He is doing really well and we have to see what is the best [for him]. He is progressing. Against Everton [in a friendly upon returning from the World Cup in December], I was really happy with his performance.

"I was happy with his performance in the World Cup. So his progress is really good, and now he is coming on and has an effect. So that's the next step that I say, 'Well done Pelli, keep going'."

However, despite now having finally made his senior debut, Vickery claims the Uruguayan isn't happy with his overall lack of minutes this season.

Pellistri 'unhappy' with lack of United opportunity

Speaking to Sky Sports about Pellistri's future, Vickery said: "He's unhappy with the amount of first team opportunities. That was his first chance that he got in the week [against Charlton], and he only had a few minutes to impress there.

"Remember, this is a player now with a World Cup behind him, and he could probably argue that he was Uruguay's best attacking player in the World Cup. He was the player that got them higher up the field.

"He's frustrated. He wants first team opportunities. He would want to go out on loan to a place that's going to use him."

Vickery indicated that Brazilian side Botafogo are interested in signing the 21-year-old on loan, as well as Championship side Watford.

He added: "Whoever does it gets a very interesting player. There's some pace in him, there's some tight dribbling skills, there's some vision of the game.

"He's not just a winger, he's an attacking midfielder as well. I think a player that deserves better than languishing on the bench or in the stands at Manchester United."