Erik ten Hag has handed Wout Weghorst his Manchester United debut against Crystal Palace because 'he fits good' with the team's attackers.
Weghorst, 30, signed for United on a six-month loan deal last week but the transfer was not complete in time for him to feature in the Manchester derby. Anthony Martial was the only recognised striker at the club and Weghorst has been signed for goals.
The Dutchman was on loan at Besiktas until the end of this season, but United paid the Turkish club £2.6million, via Burnley, to terminate their agreement with the Clarets early, which allowed him to complete the switch to Old Trafford.
ALSO READ: Jadon Sancho returns to Manchester United training
Weghorst scored nine goals on loan at Besiktas this season and he'll be hoping to get on the scoresheet on his debut at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night after Ten Hag made the decision to hand him his debut against Crystal Palace.
Anthony Martial, who was substituted off at half-time in the derby with an injury on Saturday afternoon, has not been named in the squad to face Palace, and Ten Hag discussed the decision to start Weghorst ahead of kick-off.
"It changes nothing. He's got a different profile but he is a typical number nine, so it fits good with Antony, Bruno Fernandes and very good with Marcus Rashford. I don’t think Weghorst is a player only for crosses," Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
Ten Hag was also asked about Casemiro being one yellow card away from suspension and said: "We are aware of that but it is about today, Sunday is Sunday. Obviously, we don’t want him to get booked, that is clear, but it is about winning tonight.
"Looking forward to it and great to play here. It is always very loud but that is fine, our players like it. I like it. Perfect."
READ NEXT:
