Wout Weghorst and girlfriend were ‘a bit SHOCKED’ when they heard United were making move for him

Wout Weghorst’s loan to Manchester United came as a surprise to many, including his girlfriend Nikki, who was apparently “a bit surprised” that the club wanted him.

The Dutch striker was effective at Turkish club Besiktas but scored just two goals in 20 appearances for Burnley as the club were relegated from the Premier League.

Despite that, Erik ten Hag has recruited the former Claret to help him out at the No. 9 position for the rest of the season.

Wout Weghorst has joined Manchester United on loan from Besiktas for the remainder of the season

He admitted his girlfriend was “a bit surprised” to learn of United’s interest in him.

More than a week ago. My agent actually called me for the first time and I was with my girl, and she was kind of shocked because she saw my face and I was like ‘ugh,’ Weghorst told the united official website.

The 30-year-old, who joined Burnley for £12m last winter as the club looked to avoid being dropped back to the Championship, has also admitted his first spell in the Premier League did not go according to plan as he prepares to embark on a new challenge with United.

“I also already have experience in the Premier League, which was not as successful as I had hoped, and I’m really looking forward to coming back here because, in my opinion, it’s still the biggest competition in the world and now I’m going to play for one of the biggest clubs in England,” he said.

Weghorst scored just twice for Burnely in the league as they were relegated last season

‘For me, [to play for] the biggest club is of course unbelievable, and as I have always said as a football player, and also as a human being, the stage I am at now, the [experience] I have, I’m ready for it. This is the right time to take on this great challenge, of course.’

“For me, it’s not done, it’s not finished,” he continued about playing in the Premier League.

‘It didn’t work out the first time as expected and I really want to show myself, to help the team. Of course, we are on a very good path now. The last couple of weeks, months actually, it’s been very positive here and I just want to contribute and do my best and give everything for the club and try to be part of the success. [direction] come on.

With Marcus Rashford often preferred on the left and Anthony Martial the only other recognized center forward in the team, Weghorst should have a role to play as the team balances the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League with the Premier League.

Weghorst returned to form in Besiktas, scoring eight goals and four assists in 16 games.

However, it remains to be seen how effective Weghorst can be in that latest competition after a disappointing season last time out.

Weghorst reached 20 Bundesliga goals two years ago and left Besiktas scoring once every other game, but he admitted the standard in England is somewhat different.

“After the Bundesliga I moved to the Premier League and I noticed it, you can see it, it’s another level again,” he said.

“It’s like the pace is really high, which is why I said it’s also the biggest competition in the world.”