Man Utd stance on Weghorst transfer explained as Besiktas eye return

Man Utd: ten Hag discusses acquisition of Wout Weghorst

Manchester United are unlikely to keep hold of Wout Weghorst as Besiktas look to bring the striker back to Turkey this summer, according to reports. The Netherlands international has netted just twice since moving to Old Trafford back in January. And though Erik ten Hag has suggested there’s a chance the forward will turn his temporary stay at the club into a permanent one, that doesn’t seem like it will happen.

Manchester United turned to Weghorst back in January following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had left by mutual consent two months previously.

Yet while the striker impresses with his work-rate, the 30-year-old has netted just two goals since his January move.

United have suggested there’s still a chance Weghorst will stay at the club, with Ten Hag admiring the way his compatriot applies himself on the pitch.

But The Sun say that’s ‘unlikely’ to happen.

It’s claimed Besiktas want Weghorst back, with the Netherlands international previously spending the first half of the season on loan in Turkey.

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Burnley, the attacker’s parent club, would rather sell the flop permanently instead of another loan.

But Besiktas are hopeful of securing Weghorst’s signature, despite the striker angering them by jumping ship halfway through he season.

Regardless of what happens, United want a new No 9 this summer with several big names being linked as the transfer window creeps closer.

They’re admirers of Harry Kane, whose Tottenham deal is due to expire next year. No renewal has been signed and, following another turbulent season in north London, he could leave this summer.

United are also interested in Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen, who has netted 21 goals from 24 matches in Serie A this season.

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AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is another option, with the Portugal international previously being eyed in January.

And it’s possible United will move for Joao Felix, with the forward not expected to join Chelsea permanently amid their ongoing woes under Frank Lampard.

Speaking at the beginning of the month, Ten Hag hailed Weghorst and insisted he had made a big contribution.

“Of course. I think he is doing a lot of elements of football really well,” he said.

“He is doing a really good job for us in pressing, so he is the leader of the process in pressing.

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“He starts the press and he is very good in the backward pressing. He is taking other positions and his link-up play, he is doing really well.

“He creates movements and makes good movements. He is also good in the set plays.

“He is really a contribution to the performance of this team and this team after Christmas, we played 25 games and we lost two games.

“So you can see and he played nearly almost all those games. He was really a part of that success.”

Another striker being linked with a move away from United is Anthony Martial.

But Ten Hag, speaking before the Red Devils’ clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, has insisted he’d love to keep his No 9 at Old Trafford.

“It’s difficult to say with Anthony because his history says differently,” he said.

“I want him to be here because I think he’s a great player.

“He definitely has the qualities to play in top football – and when he is fit our team play better.

“From my point of view, yes, I would like him here.”

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