Manchester United completed the loan signing of Dutch international Wout Weghorst for the rest of the season on Friday to bolster Erik ten Hag’s forward options in the wake of the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 30-year-old had been on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, but the Turkish giants announced they had received 2.8 million euros (£2.5 million/$A4.35m) to cut that deal short. United subsequently paid Burnley £2.6 million in a loan fee until the end of the season – and will pay his full wages – with no contractual option to purchase Weghorst included in the deal.
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Weghorst joined Burnley from Wolfsburg for £12 million in January 2022 but scored just two Premier League goals in 20 appearances as the Clarets were relegated last season.
However, he struck nine times in 18 games for Besiktas and scored twice for the Netherlands in a thrilling World Cup quarter-final against eventual champions Argentina last month.
And despite his struggles in the Premier League, there is one key reason Manchester United have penned the veteran. Manager Erik ten Hag has prioritised high pressing from his entire side, including strikers – an area in which Ronaldo was lacking and led to his limited game-time before quitting the club.
According to Opta, Weghorst had the most presses per 90 minutes in his 2021-22 season at Burnley (48.7) – despite being in a subsequently-relegated Clarets side.
He also ranked among the elite in the Premier League for distance covered, further evidence of his hardworking nature.
His scoring record in Turkey as well as his recent performances at the World Cup have seemingly convinced the Old Trafford hierarchy that he can improve his goalscoring output in England this time around, especially with better service from the likes of Marcus Rashford compared to his time at Burnley.
“I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United,” Weghorst said in a club statement.
“I’ve seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can’t wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims.”
Weghorst was not registered in time to be able to feature against Manchester City on Saturday.
But he will add extra depth with the Red Devils still involved in four competitions.
“Wout has a consistent goalscoring record across several European leagues, and his attributes will add a further dimension to our squad for the remainder of the season,” said United’s football director, John Murtough.
Nevertheless, United are likely to look for a big-name signing at the end of the season.
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