Only days after his move to Manchester United was completed, striker Wout Weghorst has been thrown into the deep end as the Dutchman starts in tonight’s game at Crystal Palace.
Weghorst was in attendance at Old Trafford last weekend as United recorded a memorably derby win over their cross-city rivals, with the Netherlands star training at Carrington for the first time the following day.
Anthony Martial, Ten Hag’s first-choice striker, was only fit to play 45 minutes in the derby and he has been left out of the side to face Palace tonight.
That makes Ten Hag’s decision a little bit easier but speaking ahead of the game, he has explained the decision, insisting it does not change the way his side plays.
“It changes nothing. A different profile but he is a typical number nine. It fits good with Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford,” Ten Hag said, according to BBC reporter Shamoon Hafez.
“I don’t think Weghorst is a player only for crosses.”
Victory over Patrick Vieira’s men could seriously propel United into the title conversation as they would be just six points behind leaders Arsenal going into Sunday’s mouthwatering clash at the Emirates Stadium.
SN’s verdict…
Weghorst offers something United have not had all season and that’s an outlet, someone to bring others into play and pin defenders down. The past week may have been tumultuous for the striker but come kick-off time, he has to be ready to make an impact.
It may only be a short-term agreement but he will be desperate to leave as big of a mark as possible and potentially even earn himself a permanent move.
