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Erik ten Hag ‘played a crucial role in Man United’s surprising loan move for Burnley flop Wout Weghorst… who went unnoticed by scouts during the failed search for Marko Arnautovic last summer’
- The United boss showed interest in the Dutch international with the club’s 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 debut for his new club at Crystal Palace on Wednesday
Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag was instrumental in the club’s surprise loan deal to compatriot Wout Weghorst, according to reports.
Weghorst had been on loan at Besiktas from Burnley after the Dutch international failed to prevent Burnley from being relegated to the Championship.
According to the athleticTen Hag was the driving force behind Weghorst’s capture, and the wheels were set in motion following United’s 2–0 Carabao Cup win over the Clarets on 21 December.
Erik ten Hag was essential for the signing of the Burnley and Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst
Weghorst was not on the Carrington club’s radar, even during their failed pursuit of Marko Arnautovic, until Ten Hag told them of his interest, according to the report.
United was said to have deeply investigated the background and habits of the targeted 30-year-old man with largely “positive” feedback.
Despite the striker’s record in the Premier League last season, scoring just two goals in 20 games, Ten Hag told Dutch television ahead of the Manchester derby that Weghorst’s quest for competition would be a “good challenge” and blamed of his problems to the fact that he was only on 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 he did not know the former Wolfsburg striker personally, Ten Hag had reportedly “followed his career since he was 16 years old”.
Memphis Depay, who endured a miserable spell at United, had also been considered by Old Trafford bosses, but their demands for a long-term deal apparently scuttled any chance of Premier League redemption.
A lack of funds available at United in January meant they were unable to pay PSV star Cody Gakpo, who subsequently joined Liverpool for £44m.
The Dutchman began training on Sunday in Carrington and could make his debut against Palace
Ten Hag focused on speaking to Weghorst, believing United can have a “new dimension” with the 197cm forward as a foothold.
Although, the striker naturally saw the opportunity to jump from Turkey to Carrington as a “once in a lifetime situation”.
The Dutchman trained for the first time with the team on Sunday and could make his Red Devils debut on Wednesday night against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.