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Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the 2022-2023 season.
sports mail reported earlier this week that an agreement had been reached between the two clubs, but there was still some uncertainty about the payment.
However, United paid the £2.5 million compensation fee directly to Besiktas instead of Burnley to secure his services for the remainder of the season. The club had hoped to have him registered in time for the Manchester derby on Saturday, but Erik ten Hag has revealed that he will not feature in the big clash.
Man United have confirmed the signing of Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season
The Dutchman said he was excited to play with compatriot Erik ten Hag (left)
United fans can look forward to having a new striker join their ranks after the announcement was made on Friday night.
The club posted a Tweet with the caption: “It’s official: Wout Weghorst is red!”
The Dutch striker said he was excited to play with Ten Hag and encouraged by the club’s progress with his compatriot so far.
“I feel privileged to join Manchester United,” he told United’s official website.
“I have played against the club in the past and it is a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to wear the famous red shirt. I have seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and I can’t wait to start playing my role in pushing the team towards its goals.
Whatever happens in the coming months, I can promise to give my all to the club while I’m here.
The 30-year-old is looking to redeem himself in the Premier League after scoring just twice in 20 games following his move to Turf Moor in January 2022.
“I thank everyone who has helped me get to this stage, and now I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and getting involved right away.”
United director of football John Murtough praised Weghorst’s goalscoring pedigree, saying he had the personality Ten Hag was looking for.
“Wout has a consistent scoring record in various European leagues, and his attributes will add a new dimension to our team for the rest of the season,” he said.
“We were also drawn to his strong personality and dedicated approach to football, which fits perfectly with the spirit that Erik is building within our team. He has shown a great desire to join Manchester United and be part of what we are striving to achieve this season.”
Weghorst scored nine goals in 18 appearances for Besiktas after joining the Turkish side on loan from Burnley in January 2022.
His last goal came on Saturday and he appeared to celebrate by saying goodbye to the club’s fans ahead of his move to Manchester United.
The 30-year-old is looking to redeem himself in the Premier League after scoring just twice in 20 games following his move to Turf Moor.
Burnley fans were understandably disappointed with Weghorst’s contribution during the 2021-2022 campaign, when he recorded just 30 shots on target and missed six great chances.
He also committed 30 fouls, received three yellow cards and was caught offside nine times. As a result, Weghorst was unable to prevent Burnley from being relegated from the English top flight.
United boss Erik ten Hag wanted to strengthen his attacking line during the current window
However, Manchester United have given Weghorst the chance to prove himself to the English fans by signing him on loan until the end of the current campaign.
Erik ten Hag hopes Weghorst will strengthen his attacking line and fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
Ronaldo’s position at the club became untenable after he criticized the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
United wants to deal with the situation quickly. They agreed to terminate the 37-year-old’s contract, issuing a statement saying: “Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United by mutual consent, effective immediately.”
The club thanks him for his immense contribution during two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.
United needed to replace Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and add depth to their attacking line
“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to achieve success on the pitch.”
United expect big things from Weghorst as the 30-year-old has excelled for Besiktas this season.
He has scored eight goals in 16 games and is the player with the most expected goals (9.8), the most touches in the opposite area (118) and the most shots on goal (23).
Weghorst’s height will come in handy for the Red Devils. Standing at 6ft 5in, his height will give United an advantage when it comes to set pieces and crosses into the box.
His height will give United an advantage when it comes to making set pieces and crosses into the area
Weghorst has also shown he can be an impact substitute after coming close to ending Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream when the Netherlands faced Argentina in the quarter-finals.
The 30-year-old is also known for his work rate. He is relentless in pressing and wins the ball up the field. During the 2021-2022 Premier League campaign, Weghorst averaged around four ball recoveries per 90, an impressive number for a striker.
Weghorst is also dangerous in and around the penalty area. He has a history of scoring goals from this position and is even known as a ‘goal hunter’.
Weghorst found the back of the net 70 times in 144 games for Wolfsburg and 45 times in 86 games for AZ Alkmaar, but his problems with Burnley continue to hang over him.
The 30-year-old has also shown he can be an impactful substitute after coming close to ending Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream when the Netherlands faced Argentina in the quarter-final of the competition in Qatar.
Argentina was leading the game 2-0 when Weghorst came on. With just 12 minutes remaining, the 30-year-old scored twice to level the score. As a result, the game went to penalties before Argentina emerged victorious.