Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Wout Weghorst showed why Erik ten Hag loves him in Manchester United win against Leicester

If there is one glowing endorsement of Erik ten Hag's eye for talent, it is that his transfer hit rate has been pretty much flawless at Manchester United.

The Dutchman probably doesn't get the credit he deserves for his squad overhaul this season, given that he was backed with a record-level of spending last summer, but it is still a challenge to spend that money effectively.

Perhaps more impressive, though, were the players he managed to get at short notice in the January window, as United were forced to react quickly to the injury setbacks that had depleted their options.

Read next: Ten Hag has found his next captain

Marcel Sabizter looks like a savvy addition until the end of the season at least, and Wout Weghorst has given them extra presence up front, even if he is not the deadly finisher many fans had wished for.

It was always going to be difficult to sign a clinical finisher midway through a season, not only because they cost a lot of money, but also because clubs are reluctant to part ways with key players before the end of the campaign.

Weghorst has arrived at United at a difficult time given he will naturally draw comparisons with Anthony Martial and Cristiano Ronaldo, and while he has not matched the duo for goals this season, he has at least given Ten Hag the reliable work rate he demands up front.

"He will score, but in the meantime he does the other stuff very good," the United manager said of him earlier this month. "It is not about scoring as an individual, it is about scoring for the team, as the team has to win. I think he is doing a very good job in this moment in several aspects of the football."

This was the case again against Leicester at the weekend, with Weghorst playing a key role in United's approach, even though he didn't enjoy the best day in front of goal himself.

The 30-year-old is a nuisance for opposition defences and was tormenting the Leicester backline by dragging them out of position and constantly offering an out ball in the final third.

Sure, he is by no means the goalscorer this United side needs, but he is doing what few can with regard to his mobility and sheer work rate, at least compensating for his lack of quality with a tireless approach.

Weghorst distracted Souttar for the second goal (Sky Sports)

Weghorst did just that at the weekend, dragging Harry Souttar out of position for Fred to find Marcus Rashford for the second goal, and with a diverting run for the third goal that opened up space for Jadon Sancho to exploit on the right wing.

It was another timely reminder that not all strikers should be judged solely for their potency in front of goal, and Weghorst's profligacy can be afforded when he plays such a key role in allowing players like Rashford to get chances instead.

It is also important to note that it is not Weghorst's fault that he has been exposed by the lack of options in the United squad. He is an effective squad player, but has been overexposed by an overreliance on him to start every match.

Weghorst stretched open the Leicester defence for the third goal (Sky Sports)

There would probably be a lot more appreciation for him if he were only utilised in a sporadic role from the bench, though it also speaks volumes that Ten Hag has stuck by him throughout his short time at the club.

And at the end of the day, that is all that matters. Ten Hag is the man paid to make the decisions at United, and the fact he continues to trust his compatriot up front speaks volumes of the value he brings to the team.

Weghorst might not be the striker United fans wanted, but right now he is the striker they need.

Next up:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.