Former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has suggested that Wout Weghorst would offer something completely different if he was to join Erik ten Hag’s side.
In the past 24 hours, we have learned about Manchester United’s interest in a surprise loan deal for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst. He fits the manager’s preferred type of forward and would give United some much needed aerial threat.
Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new striker but the Dutch striker is currently on loan at Turkish giants Besiktas but it is understood that United have enquired about whether a deal is possible.
Burnley did not insert a recall clause and Besiktas are not going to lose the goalscorer without a fight. I can only presume that United would have to pay some sort of compensation fee to conclude a deal.
Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, claims the striker is simply a stop-gap, but insists he would be a useful option.
“Ten Hag knows what he is doing, for sure,” he told BBC Sport. “He is 30 years old so it is a stop-gap because of the ongoing rumours with the takeover of new owners. That is probably the reason Ten Hag is being forced to do loan deals.
“He needs to do something in the transfer window though, so in this case it’s better to go with someone you know.
“It is not one for the long term but it is somebody who can do a job for them in the short term, especially in the latter stages of a game when they need to force something.”
Something Ten Hag is trying to do at United is sign the right players. They must have the right ability, temperament and character to step into our dressing room.
Meulensteen says Weghorst is a person who is determined to be successful.
“He is different, that is why Ten Hag is bringing him in,” Meulensteen continued. “He offers something else that the other Manchester United forwards don’t have – but I don’t think he will be a starter every game.
“He is tall, standing at 6ft 6in, and if United need to go a bit more direct and play off the knockdown, he is the type of guy that can offer that in the box. He is good at link-up play too, you can give him the ball then play through him.
“He is a good character who is determined, a hard worker and a fighter – those are his biggest traits. He is a nice lad too and there is no nonsense with him – Weghorst will put a shift in for the team.
“He possesses all the qualities Ten Hag wants in a player and so will fit in at United.”
