Wout Weghorst has defended his performances for Manchester United, insisting he is “absolutely an asset” to the team despite struggling in front of goal.
Weghorst was signed on loan from Burnley in January as a cost-effective replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who saw his contract terminated mid-season. He has managed to contribute just two goals and two assists in 27 appearances for the club in all competitions and has been criticised by fans and pundits for his lack of impact.
Rio Ferdinand said he “doesn’t offer anything” after he was substituted 57 minutes into the 1-0 defeat at West Ham on the weekend. The Dutchman’s loan deal expires at the end of the season, but Weghorst says there have been talks over a permanent contract – proof that he is doing a good job for the team.
“In those [talks] the club said they are very satisfied with me,” he told The Times after the West Ham game. “It has absolutely not been communicated with me that Man United don’t want to continue with me.
“They appreciate my value. They believe I am absolutely an asset for the team. Of course I have heard different things [in the media]. I have to wait and see what happens and focus on our goals in the league and cup competitions.’”
Weghorst is yet to score in 14 Premier League appearances for United and, although he has defended him, there are signs Erik ten Hag is moving away from the 30-year-old. He started the nine Premier League fixtures in a row after arriving, but has started just one of the last seven following the return to fitness by Anthony Martial.
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After spending increasing time on the substitutes’ bench, Weghorst will seek assurances from Ten Hag and the United hierarchy before he considers extending his stay.
“I’m a guy who likes to play football,” he added. “When your appearances are reduced, as has been the case lately, you realise what you are missing,” he said. “If the club wants to keep me, I’ll have to know what role they have in mind for me.”
United are prioritising the signing of a world-class striker in the summer transfer window, but will be guided by financial fair play rules, while the ongoing takeover saga could also impact their spending.
With Weghorst failing to find the back of the net, Ten Hag has taken to fielding him as a No10 on occasion. “I think he has intelligence from positions, he is a very good anticipator,” he explained in March of the tactical decision.
“Of course I tell him to [help] linking up there, which he is also doing as a high striker. But in that position, [he is] linking up and getting in front of the goal when crosses are coming in. As for the rest, there is the defending part which he is also very good [at].”