Manchester United have accepted the loan of Wout Weghorst until the end of this season. The 30-year-old, whose card is owned by Burnley, spent the first part of the season in Turkey with Besiktas. English media reports that the footballer is already in England, where he is expected to undergo medical visits, before United formalize the move.
In 16 matches with Besiktas in Turkey, Weghorst managed to score 8 goals, as well as 4 assists. The Dutchman's last goal came in Besiktas' 2-1 win over Kasimpasa. In that challenge, Wout Weghorst was seen waving to the fans at the end of the match, the first sign that a move to United was very close to finalisation.
The approach of the attacker thus gives more options to coach Ten Hag, who desperately needed reinforcements, especially in attack. Weghorst caused quite a stir at the World Cup in Qatar, when he scored 2 goals against Argentina in the last minutes of the match. He also scored from the spot during the penalty shootout, but Argentina still managed to qualify, and eventually won the trophy.
If all goes well, the forward could be activated in time for Saturday's derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Many Red Devils fans have been skeptical of Weghorst's abilities, considering the striker comes from the Turkish Championship, having previously failed to make an impact in the Premier League with Burnley. However, former Manchester United manager Rene Meulensteen is convinced that Ten Hag knows what he is doing at the helm of the bench.
Meulensteen said the Dutch striker is the perfect solution to United's short-term needs, until the summer transfer window. Especially considering the combative and hard-working character of Weghorst, who will want to prove his worth at Old Trafford. The former coach of the English club commented:
"He is different, this is the reason why Ten Hag brought him here. He offers something else that United's other strikers don't, but I don't think he will start every game."
