Erik ten Hag played crucial role in loan signing of Wout Weghorst

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 could make his debut for his new club at Crystal Palace on Wednesday

Manchester United Erik ten Hag was critical to the club’s surprise loan move for compatriot Wout Weghorst, according to reports.

Weghorst had been on loan at Besiktas from Burnley after the Dutch international was unable to prevent Burnley from being relegated 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 and Holland 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, the report states.

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 just twice in 20 matches – Ten Hag said pre-Manchester derby to Dutch television that Weghorst’s quest for proficiency would be a ‘nice challenge’ and blaming his struggles at on him only being at Turf Moor for a ‘very short period of time’.

Weghorst struggled in the Premier League for Burnley, 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’. 

Memphis Depay, who endured a miserable spell at United, had also been considered by Old Trafford chiefs but his demands for a long-term deal reportedly scuppered any hopes of a chance at Premier League redemption. 

The lack of funds available at United in January meant they could not afford PSV star Cody Gakpo, who subsequently joined Liverpool for £44m. 

The Dutchman began training at Carrington on Sunday and could make his debut v 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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