Uruguay and Facundo Pellistri finished third in Copa America after a penalty shootout victory versus Canada.
The match ended 2-2 in normal time after la Celeste had taken an early lead in the eighth minute before the Reds equalised through Ismaël Koné.
The North Americans then took a shock lead in the 80th minute when Jonathan David found the net before Luis Suarez crushed their dreams in the 92 minute. Alphonso Davies’ missed paneka penalty in the shootout sealed the result for the South Americans.
Uruguay actually had less possession than Canada at 49% and fewer shots, having 12 to their opposition’s 14.
Sadly, it was once again a poor showing from United winger Pellistri and he was subbed off after 60 minutes of play.
The 22 year old started the tournament on fire but he has faded dramatically as the competition has got into the deeper stages.
Sofascore gave him a 6.7 for his efforts as he once again had no sort of shot on goal.
He was also largely existing on the periphery of the game as he only had 19 touches and was only able to complete six passes during the entire time he was on the pitch.
This was a similar story to the semi-final, where he was only able to complete three passes against Colombia.
The United winger was once again more productive defensively as he won four out of nine ground duels and won his one aerial battle.
He was rather careless with possession, losing the ball eight times and conceding four fouls during the match.
Pellistri will now have to think hard about his United future as he will take a two or three week holiday before he returns to Manchester United training.
With the news that United are now possibly keeping Jadon Sancho, there seems even less space for the Uruguayan to fit in on the wings with Alejandro Garnacho, Rashford, Amad Diallo and Antony all ahead of him in the pecking order, not even including Sancho.
He has been previously linked to moves to Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Corinthians.
United will also hope that the ending of Uruguay’s involvement could see a move speed up for defensive midfield target Manuel Ugarte.
With a move for Joao Neves seemingly out of reach due to Benfica’s insistence on a fee of over €100 million, Ugarte seems a much more feasible option to bolster the midfield and the ending of Copa America should speed up this deal in one direction or another.
United’s interest in the tournament is not quite over yet as Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho will be hoping to help Argentina retain their Copa America title tonight (tomorrow morning UK time) versus Colombia in the final.
