Penarol vice-president Rodolfo Cantino has revealed that the club attempted to retain the services of Facundo Pellistri until January.

After days of speculation, Manchester United confirmed on Monday evening that they had signed the young winger on a five-year contract.

With the prospect still just 18 years of age, Cantino has admitted that the Uruguayan club wanted to keep the the player for the remainder of 2020.

However, backing up recent reports regarding Pellistri's development, the Penarol chief acknowledged that their former player is due to make his first-team debut at Old Trafford in the foreseeable future.

Speaking to Referi, Cantino said: "We tried in every way but they argued that they wanted the player now. It's normal, when a European club buy a player, they travel immediately.

"Pellistri goes straight to the first team. Going to play. In the negotiation they asked me if I could guarantee them if he was in the bubble because they need him. Then it will be a matter of the manager if he uses him."

United are next in action when they face Newcastle United at St James' Park on October 17.