'Very good player': Ten Hag reveals the reason behind the exit of Man Utd starlet with 'high potential' - report

Manchester United are shaking up the squad with a flurry of new arrivals and departures this summer.

Facundo Pellistri is one of the players who has bid farewell to Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old has completed a permanent transfer to Panathinaikos in a deal worth £6.8 million (£5.1m upfront and £1.7m in add-ons).

Erik ten Hag explained that increased competition in the wide areas is the reason behind Pellistri’s departure.

He said (via ManUtd.com): “He is a very talented player – [he] progressed very well last season but we have a lot of competition in the wide areas.

“We looked at what we needed as a squad, but also every player needs a different perspective.

“In this moment, we had many players to compete in those positions and we couldn’t give him the right perspective.

“In this club, he was a very good player, [with] high potential, but what he needs is games to improve and progress. He will get the opportunity at Panathinaikos and we will follow the process.”

United will hope Pellistri meets his potential at Panathinaikos 

The highly-rated winger has shown glimpses of his fine talent over the last four years.

However, he struggled to make a lasting impact during three loan stints in Spain.

United fans admire his potential, but his game still needs some fine-tuning.

Pellistri needs regular playing time to unearth his talent, something he would not have done at Old Trafford due to fierce competition in wide areas.

Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are first-choice wingers. Amad Diallo, Antony and Jadon Sancho are other alternatives to rotate and influence the game.

United have inserted a 45 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement. They will profit massively if he is sold at a premium to another club in the future.

Pellistri’s return to United cannot be ruled out. The Red Devils have a buy-back option, which is valid for the next three years.