Manchester United completed the loan deal for the remainder of the season for Dutch international Wout Weghorst on Friday, bolstering Erik ten Hag’s forward option following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 30-year-old was on loan from Burnley to Besiktas, but the Turkish giants have announced they have received €2.8m (£2.5m/A$4.35m) to shorten his deal. United will then pay Burnley a £2.6m rental fee until the end of the season and pay his full wages, but the deal does not include an option to buy Weghorst.
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Weghorst joined Burnley from Wolfsburg for £12m in January 2022 but scored just two goals in 20 Premier League appearances after Clarets were relegated last season.
However, he scored nine goals in 18 appearances for Besiktas, scoring twice for the Netherlands in a thrilling World Cup quarter-final against eventual champions Argentina last month.
Despite struggling in the Premier League, there is one main reason why Manchester United picked up the veteran. Manager Eric Ten Hug has prioritized high pressing from the entire team, including the striker. This was an area Ronaldo lacked, leading to limited game time before quitting the club.
According to Opta, Weghorst has the most presses per 90 minutes for Burnley in the 2021/22 season (48.7).
He was also ranked in the Premier League elite in distance, further evidence of his hardworking nature.
His scoring record in Turkey and his recent World Cup performances have convinced the Old Trafford hierarchy that he can improve his scoring prowess in England this time around. Burnley.
“I am honored to be joining Manchester United,” Wegort said in a club statement.
“I’ve seen United progress this season under Eric ten Hag and I can’t wait to start doing my part to help push the team towards their goals.”
Weghorst was not registered in time for Saturday’s match against Manchester City.
However, the Red Devils are still in four competitions, so he’ll add even more depth.
United’s director of football, John Murtaugh, said: “Uth has a consistent scoring record in several Europa leagues and his ability will add another dimension to the squad for the remainder of the season.
Despite this, United are likely to look for big-name signings at the end of the season.
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