Roy Keane reveals how Wout Weghorst benefits Man Utd

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has praised the decision to sign Wout Weghorst on loan this month following the Dutch striker’s first goal for the club on Wednesday night.

Weghorst, who has started United’s last three games in all competitions in the absence of Anthony Martial, found the net to double his new team’s lead at a crucial moment in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Weghorst struggled at Burnley in extremely difficult circumstances following a £20m transfer from Wolfsburg last January. But, in his own words, he believes he is a good fit for the system that Erik ten Hag has implemented in Manchester.

“People have been critical that he’s come to the club. That’s what he’s been brought to the club for. Huge goal for United,” former United captain Keane said on Sky Sports.

“Man Utd had to bring someone in. The manager made it clear, there was no money to spend. They lost [Cristiano] Ronaldo, questions marks about Anthony Martial’s fitness. So I can see why they gambled on [Weghorst].”

Keane added that one of the major benefits of Weghorst, whose movement in the penalty area against Crystal Palace last week made Bruno Fernandes’ goal possible, could be how he helps Marcus Rashford continue to have a major impact.

“I don’t think he’ll be a prolific goalscorer but if he pops up with the odd important goal like that and he helps Marcus. He’s an international player – he’s no mug!” the retired midfielder said.

“The perception about him, because he struggled in a Burnley team that were having a difficult season, people kind of judge him on that. Give the guy a chance, he scored an important goal for United. Good luck to him.

“His lack of pace can be a problem when United are trying to play on the counter-attack but they’ll need to play to his strengths. He linked up well, took his goal well.

“There’s a reason he came on loan, because he’s obviously not top level. But the important thing is that the manager knows him well. You need characters in your dressing room.”