The 22-year-old ended his four-year association with United on Wednesday by completing a permanent transfer to Panathinaikos. Pellistri made 13 appearances for the Red Devils in the Premier League and also spent time on loan at Alaves and Granada.

United have included have included a 45 percent sell-on clause in the deal for the Uruguay international, who they signed from Penarol for £7.65million. The club have also negotiated a three-year buy-back clause after the player signed a four-year deal with the Greek outfit.

Pellistri was afforded little time on the pitch Old Trafford but clearly left an impression on Manchester United captain Fernandes, who praised his ex-teammate’s attitude and predicted a successful career in a classy post on Instagram.

Fernandes’ message read: ” Hermanito was a pleasure to meet you and play alongside you.If is there someone that deserves everything good in a football career is you ! An example of professionalism and humility.Big things are coming to you soon I’m pretty sure.”

That saw Pellistri return the compliment to Fernandes, who recently extended his contract at United until 2027. The Panathinaikos new boy highlighted that the 29-year-old was the ideal captain and provided plenty of support.

Pellistri replied: “The pleasure was mine to share and play with you! what a player and the most important thing, what a guy. Thank you for always being behind me and behind every player in this club, you are the definition of CAPTAIN!”

In addition to Pellistri, United have boosted their transfer pot through a number of summer sales. Alvaro Carreras completed a permanent move to Benfica following a loan spell, while Donny van de Beek, Willy Kambwala, Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have all moved on too, helping United recoup more than £50m in transfer fees.

More departures could yet follow with Napoli heavily interested in Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen also attracting interest from Anderlecht. United are not done in terms of incomings either and hope to strike a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte.

The latter, an international teammate of Pellistri also reacted to the winger’s transfer. Ugarte posted a simple red heart in response to Pellistri’s announcement he was departing Old Trafford.