The loan deal for Wout Weghorst is done and dusted. The gigantic Dutchman is set to join the Reds, but will he impress fans?
First, the reservations. Many Manchester United fans – and some pundits – have criticised the loan signing by suggesting that Weghorst will be used as a target man and give rise to an overly simplistic brand of football, encouraging teammates to simply knock it long in the hope that Weghorst wins the ball in the air.
In his spell at Burnley last year, Weghorst only scored two goals in 20 games and ultimately the Clarets were relegated.
He’s been in finer form since though and provided cause for optimism. Scoring three times in just 104 minutes in the World Cup, including a dramatic last minute equaliser against Argentina which ultimately saw the game go to penalties. Bagging 8 goals in 16 appearances while on loan in Turkey, at Besiktas. Also his 70 goals in 144 Borussia Dortmund appearances.
So, form-wise, Weghorst is something of a mixed bag. His Premier League form doesn’t measure up, but elsewhere he has impressed. Note that he was part of a struggling Burnley side unable to provide the levels of service that he will expect from his new United team-mates.
For our money, this is a loan signing worth making. While we currently have plenty of pacy attacking options – including Marcus Rashford, Garnacho, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Antony – we have very few out and out strikers. That’s especially the case following the departure of winger-turned-striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
While the World Cup is a unique tournament with few similarities to Premier League football, the flashes of brilliance Weghorst showed in the tournament are certainly worth remembering. He showed his ability to compete at the highest level and change big games. Strikers with those abilities are very much in demand for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United right now.
He might not be the big-name striker we’re craving, but in terms of a signing to tide the team over until the summer window, he could be ideal. He seems most likely to be used as an off-the-bench option but should we see him recapture his international form… who knows?
United’s woeful performance from corners could also be improved by Weghorst. Last season we scored fewer corners than any other Premier League side and the sizeable Dutch striker is sure to add to our aerial threat. United ranked 15th for headed goals last season, scoring less than half of Liverpool’s final tally of 16. Equally, statistics show Weghorst enjoys pressing the defence, which is another key characteristic that ten Hag looks for in his attacking players.
Yes, sceptics – we hear you. He’s not the marquee signing some were hoping for. But in bringing a different and more physical attacking option Wout Weghorst could be a fantastic addition to this United squad.