Woug Weghorst admits he must prove himself before permanent Man United move

Manchester United scoured the loan market for a short-term solution this January, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s unexpected departure leaving Erik ten Hag light in an area the Reds were already weak in.

Following Ronaldo’s exit, Anthony Martial was the only out-and-out forward remaining at the club and the Frenchman’s fitness record meant Ten Hag was unlikely to hang his hat on the 27-year-old keeping fit.

Wout Weghorst, the former Bundesliga star, emerged as a leading candidate to join the club midway through January and after lengthy discussions with Burnley, his loan at Besiktas was terminated and the 30-year-old joined the Reds.

Weghorst has already started two games for United and speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game at Nottingham Forest, which could potentially be his third game in seven days, the forward has discussed the six-month arrangement.

“In the end, it’s very simple. As a striker, you are judged by goals,” the Dutchman told Algemeen Dagblad, via The Mirror“He (Erik ten Hag) indicated that attacking reinforcements were desirable. A striker, a number 9. Such a type was sought to add to the selection. And then it’s simple. The best plays. I have to force it to make minutes.

“In my career, I have always done one thing: score goals. We’ve had two games now. If I start missing big chances, then I have to start worrying. But I’m confident I can do it and I’ll be fine. The coach saw that I was ready. Nice to enforce that confidence from the start.”

Weghorst is out of contract at United at the end of this season but he has admitted that he would like to stay beyond this short-term arrangement. He has, however, admitted that he is going to have to earn that chance by performing well.

“It is fantastic to be here,” he said. “The atmosphere, the away fans, the game that waves up and down. Wonderful. I’ve been here for over a week now. It’s going well. Of course (I want to stay), but first I have to make sure I can be of value to the team and this club.”

SN’s verdict…
Weghorst’s arrival was celebrated by a large section of the club’s support but as summer approaches, it’s believed United will focus on signing a long-term option in that position.

Weghorst is the latest of a long series of short-term solutions in attack, with Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo preceding the former Wolfsburg marksman.

Nevertheless, fans will be hoping Weghorst strikes goalscoring form soon and you never know, he might end up earning himself a permanent gig.

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