Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst believes he is a good fit for the playing style that manager Erik ten Hag has implemented at the club this season.
Ten Hag’s philosophy of high-tempo football feeds into the traditional ‘United Way’ that has existed at Old Trafford for decades – and Weghorst has faith that his personal attributes will make him an asset for the boss between now and the end of the season.
“I think [pressing] is one of my strengths. Especially without the ball, to put pressure on an opponent [and] be active,” the towering Dutchman said in his first interview with club media.
“That’s something I am capable of and that’s also something in the way the trainer [Ten Hag] wants to play. He wants to play aggressive; he wants to go high on the pitch, try to recover the ball there, as quickly as possible, and I think I can help the team with that.”
Weghorst arrived into difficult circumstances when he joined a struggling Burnley side last January. He had previously had a strong goalscoring record in Germany and his native Netherlands, but recorded only two goals in 20 Premier League appearances for the Clarets.
His goal return at Besiktas was much more like the player who had become hot property at Wolfsburg and United will hope that he fills an important gap in the squad.
Weghorst, who has chosen United’s number 27 shirt, could potentially make his debut when the Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night.