Erik ten Hag ‘played a crucial role in Man United’s shock loan move for Burnley flop Wout Weghorst… who wasn’t flagged by scouts during last summer’s botched pursuit of Marko Arnautovic’
- The United boss flagged interest in the Dutch international with club scouts
- Wout Weghorst had not previously been on the radar of those inside Carrington
- Ten Hag sees Weghorst adding ‘a new dimension’ to a growing United attack
- Weghorst has already been training with the club & could debut on Wednesday
Manchester United Erik ten Hag was critical to the club’s surprise loan move for compatriot Wout Weghorst.
The striker was recently on loan at Besiktas, after the Dutch international had been unable to help Burnley avoid relegation to the Championship.
According to The Athletic, ten Hag was the driving force behind Weghorst’s capture, with the wheels set in motion following United’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over the Clarets on December 21.
Erik ten Hag was pivotal to the signing of Burnley-turned-Besiktas striker Wout Weghorst
Weghorst was not on the radar of the Carrington club – even during their botched pursuit of Marko Arnautovic – until ten Hag told them of his interest.
United were said to have dug deep into the background and habits of the 30-year-old target man with feedback largely ‘positive.’
Despite the striker’s record in the Premier League last season – scoring twice in 20 – being nothing short of trying, ten Hag said pre-Manchester City to Dutch television that Weghorst’s quest for proficiency would be a ‘nice challenge’, diminishing his struggles at Burnley due to a ‘very short period of time’ at Turf Moor.
Weghorst struggled during his sole Premier League season, scoring just two goals in 20 games
While not personally knowing the former Wolfsburg striker, ten Hag had reportedly ‘followed his career since he was 16.’
Former Manchester United disappointment, Memphis Depay was also thought of for a return to Old Trafford but his demands for a long-term deal reportedly scuppered any hopes of a chance at Premier League redemption.
Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo was a perpetual target for the Red Devils, according to multiple reports, but a move never materialized due to ‘no more money’ being available prior to Christmas.
The Dutchman began training at Carrington on Sunday and could debut against Crystal Palace
Ten Hag focused on speaking with Weghorst, believing United can have a ‘new dimension’ with the 197cm striker as their fulcrum.
While, the striker naturally saw the opportunity to jump from Turkey to Carrington as as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime situation.’
The Dutchman first trained with the squad Sunday and could make his debut for the Red Devils on Wednesday night against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
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