Wout Weghorst has simplified significance of Manchester United transfer judgment for Erik ten Hag
Burnley’s targetman was signed by Manchester United as a “stop-gap” replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Everyone is aware of it. Manchester United require a top-tier striker to propel them back to Premier League dominance.
While United’s setback to table-topping Arsenal was difficult to swallow on Sunday afternoon, considerable improvements have been achieved under Erik ten Hag this season. It has rekindled expectations that silverware will return to Old Trafford at some time during his tenure.
It says a lot about the Dutchman and his influence that United were real title contenders for a few days. Eddie Nketiah’s aspirations perished beneath the Emirates Stadium lights. Eddie Nketiah beat the offside flag to settle the scores late on, but there is still more than a glimmer in sight.
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Ten Hag is every bit a United manager, whether it’s through his shrewd tactics, man-management, or the business he’s done in the transfer market. That could result in trophies this season, but while they would be greatly appreciated, greater rewards are closer than expected.
This could also be reflected in his ongoing reconstruction. In that sense, there is a monumental decision to be made over who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo after his second act ended so abruptly.
What is gone is gone, but Ten Hag emerged out the saga with enormous credibility and authority, so much so that everyone could see past his initial reaction. Ten, on the other hand, signed Wout Weghorst as a “stop-gap” replacement.
“I think in the balance of the offensive [players], he really fits in,” declared Ten Hag when landing Weghorst on loan. “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 what I expect here.
“For here, I expect a team player and someone who can link-up. [He is] a player who will do his defending work and we are really happy to sign him.”
Despite his lack of goals, Weghorst has checked off several boxes for Ten Hag and United, so much so that any concerns raised when he was first chased have now returned to their proper position. In attacking quarters, he is not a long-term solution, but he is a cunning and well-thought-out indication.
So the big issue is, who will come next? Victor Osimhen has received high praise for his performances at Napoli, but he would cost a lot of money, and United are still interested in Harry Kane, who would also cost a lot of money despite the fact that the England captain is nearing the end of his contract.
Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life right now, but needs someone to ease the burden when it comes to hitting the back of the net. It seemed as though Anthony Martial might help him out this campaign after being backed by Ten Hag, but four separate injury setbacks have stalled his progress as first choice.
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But, despite his limitations, Weghorst’s first two outings will hasten the procedure for the next phase. Kane not only completes Weghorst’s signing checklist, but he also brings Premier League experience, which may tip the scales in his favor if Tottenham are finally willing to play ball.
If that is the case, United will have another four months to prepare by acclimating to a Kane-like figure in central areas, albeit one without the same goalscoring credentials. Kane would then drive them closer to the peak. Ten Hag’s next move will be within the next 12 months. However, whatever the price is for those two or other potential objectives, it will be well to pay to intensify.
Manchester City won the goalscoring jackpot this summer when they signed Erling Haaland for for £51 million, but it was an outlier in this heightened market, and Osimhen, for example, may cost twice as much or more. But, in order for Ten Hag to obtain everything he wants, crucial players in the boardroom must spend a lot of money.
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