Manchester United finalized the loan signing of Dutch international Wout Weghorst for the remainder of the season on Friday, bolstering Erik ten Hag’s striker options after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit. The 30-year-old had been on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, but the Turkish giants revealed that they had received 2.8 million euros (£2.5 million/$A4.35 million) to terminate the arrangement. United then paid Burnley a loan fee of £2.6 million till the end of the season – and will pay his full salary – with no contractual option to buy Weghorst included in the agreement.
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Weghorst joined Burnley from Wolfsburg in January 2022 for £12 million, although he only scored two Premier League goals in 20 appearances as the Clarets were relegated last season. However, he scored nine goals in 18 games for Besiktas and twice for the Netherlands last month in a dramatic World Cup quarter-final against eventual winners Argentina. Despite his troubles in the Premier League, Manchester United signed the veteran for one important reason.
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Manager Erik ten Hag has prioritized heavy pressing from his whole team, particularly forwards – an area where Ronaldo was deficient, which resulted in his restricted game-time before leaving the club. Weghorst recorded the most presses per 90 minutes in his 2021-22 season at Burnley (48.7), while playing for a relegated Clarets team. He was also rated among the top distance runners in the Premier League, demonstrating his dedication.
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His goal-scoring record in Turkey, as well as his recent World Cup heroics, seem to have persuaded the Old Trafford management that he can enhance his goalscoring output in England this time around, particularly with greater service from the likes of Marcus Rashford than he had at Burnley. I feel honored to be joining Manchester United,” Weghorst said in a statement released by the club. I’ve observed United’s growth this season under Erik ten Hag and can’t wait to start contributing to the team’s goals.” Weghorst did not register in time to play against Manchester City on Saturday.
However, with the Red Devils still competing in four tournaments, he will provide further depth. Wout has a steady goalscoring record throughout multiple European divisions, and his skills will bring a further dimension to our group for the rest of the season,” stated John Murtough, United’s football director. Nonetheless, United is expected to pursue a high-profile signing at the conclusion of the season.
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