Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he has decided to bring in Wout Weghorst on loan because he needed another striker for the rest of the season.
The 30-year-old was unveiled as a Reds player on Friday night, just hours after Besiktas confirmed they had received £2.6m upon a mutual contract termination. The Turkish club was handed compensation for ending his stay early after parent club Burnley opted against inserting a recall clause in his season-long loan.
United are covering Weghorst’s wages in full but do not have an option nor obligation to buy at the end of the campaign. The attacker becomes the club’s second signing of January after Jack Butland arrived on loan from Crystal Palace earlier this month.
READ MORE: United confirm £2.6m Weghorst loan
Speaking in his pre-Manchester City press conference earlier in the day, Ten Hag confirmed Weghorst - who scored nine goals in 18 Besiktas outings - would not be available for Saturday’s derby, for which the registration deadline had been midday.
In the media meet, he admitted that a deal was “close” before the player’s arrival was confirmed that evening. And speaking to in-house media ahead of the derby, Ten Hag explained why he decided to jump for Weghorst and outlined what he expects from the forward.
“He is a striker and we had an open position there to fill in,” Ten Hag said, seven weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo’s mutual contract termination. “I think in the balance of the offensive [players], he really fits in. I am really happy and I don't think we had the type what he is.
“Most importantly, he can score goals from everywhere and he was always a surprise at every club in every league. That is also what I expect here. For here, I expect a team player and someone who can link up, a player who will do his defending work and we are really happy to sign him.''
Speaking after his arrival, Weghorst said he feels “privileged” to join United. “I’ve played against the club in the past and it’s a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt,” he added.
“I’ve seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can’t wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims. Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here.
"I thank everyone who has played a part in getting me to this stage, and now I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and getting involved straight away." He joins Anthony Martial as United’s only two natural centre-forwards.
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