Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd outcast digs heels in with Old Trafford stay still in mind despite Prem interest developing
Wout Weghorst has not given up hope of remaining at Man Utd beyond the current season, according to the latest reports.
Man Utd signed Weghorst on loan from Burnley back in January as something of an emergency measure. There was a void for them to fill in their attack after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo a couple of months earlier.
Weghorst had struggled for Burnley before, so was something of a dubious signing, but his better form on loan at Besiktas in the first half of the season encouraged Erik ten Hag to make a move for his compatriot.
It has only ever seemed like Weghorst would be a short-term measure before Man Utd aim to add an elite centre-forward to their ranks.
But according to the Daily Telegraph‘s transfer notebook, Weghorst ‘wants to stay’ at Man Utd beyond the current season – which he has always hinted he would be open to.
Unfortunately for the 30-year-old, Man Utd have not opened any talks about signing him permanently yet.
Instead, it is more likely that Weghorst will return to Burnley in the summer. Despite their promotion back to the Premier League, Vincent Kompany’s side might not have a need for the Dutchman either.
Yet the Telegraph has hinted there are other Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Weghorst.
Weghorst to make way as Man Utd rebuild reaches next phase
From his 25 appearances for Man Utd so far, Weghorst has only scored two goals – the same tally that he managed from 20 Burnley appearances before.
His loan spell at Besiktas brought something better out of him; he scored nine goals from 18 games for the Turkish side, who would reportedly be glad to take him back if the opportunity arises.
Weghorst’s contract back at Turf Moor is due to last until 2025. He has up to seven appearances remaining to make for FA Cup finalists Man Utd.
Once Weghorst is out of the way, Man Utd are still planning to invest in a new focal point for their attack. Injury issues for Anthony Martial have meant that Ten Hag has only been able to rely on Marcus Rashford for regular goals this season.
Granted, Rashford has been in sensational form, but it would be beneficial for Man Utd to be able to spread the goals around more.
Their second top scorer behind Rashford’s tally of 29 goals this season is attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has scored 11 times in all competitions. Nobody else has reached double figures yet.
That said, it has been a season of steady progress with Ten Hag at the helm. Man Utd lifted the Carabao Cup back in February and have another domestic final to look forward to before the season is out.
The next phase of their rebuild could be to bring in an upgrade on Weghorst. Only time will tell who comes in to take his place – and where he ends up in turn.