Former left-back Patrice Evra believes Netherlands international Wout Weghorst has the potential to be a smart signing for Manchester United, comparing him to former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
United are in the process of trying to wrap up a loan deal for Weghorst, bringing him in for the remainder of the season from Burnley. He is currently on loan at Turkish giants Besiktas.
United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, plan to use this month's transfer window to bring in a striker on a short-term basis, ahead of investing in a permanent addition this forthcoming summer. Napoli ace Victor Osimhen is already being sounded out as a favourite option among the supporters.
READ MORE: What Wout Weghorst must prove to have a future at United
The reaction to United's interest in Weghorst has been somewhat mixed, though a lot of United fans are prepared to trust Erik ten Hag's judgement, given the success he has enjoyed so far this season. And Evra, too, has thrown his weight behind the idea of signing the former Wolfsburg man, outlining the different array of qualities he could bring to the team.
"Reports are saying that Wout Weghorst looks set to sign for Man United, we've been here before, we've had so many players looking set to sign and we need to be careful, but he is a good player," Evra told Betair. "As a player, what I like about him is he reminds me a little bit of Olivier Giroud; he plays with his back to goal, with his stamina, he's strong physically and he knows how to keep the ball.
"He knows how to play in that fixed position, players like Rashford and all the team will enjoy playing with a player like that. Like Giroud, sometimes you just pass them the ball and you can run behind them. He's a good finisher and he can finish with both feet. He's strong in the air. That's the kind of striker that I can see being successful if they sign for United."
Weghorst scored just two goals in 20 appearances for Burnley last season after joining them on the final day of the January transfer window. But while his record in front of goal was nothing to write home about, his all-round game is about much more.
Evra added: "You can see that he's not just a goalscorer, you can see that Ten Hag wants to have more control in matches and I think United's problem is they are winning but they don't control the games for 90 minutes and with those kinds of players, they let you breathe when you are under pressure.
"You can play the ball to him, on his chest, on his head and he will keep the ball or can make assists for other players. Tactically and technically, I think he could be a really interesting player for United.
"This would be great, but let's wait until he is playing in a United shirt. When you perform with other clubs in other leagues you will always be judged when you do it in the Premier League."
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