Erik ten Hag satisfied with Wout Weghorst debut for Manchester United against Crystal Palace
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was happy with the way Wout Weghorst played on his debut for the club against Crystal Palace.
The Holland international started the game against the Eagles at Selhurst Park on Wednesday (18 January). He ended up featuring for 69 minutes before being substituted by Scott McTominay.
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Metro) after the 1-1 draw against Patrick Vieira’s team, Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction at the on-loan striker’s display on his full debut. However, the gaffer feels the forward has more work to do to assimilate into the team.
“I think he did quite well. He has to make adjustments to our game. He doesn’t know our way of play. He only had a short briefing and last training, no games, a couple of days.”
Weghorst joined the Red Devils on a temporary move until the end of the season from Championship outfit Burnley. He was on loan at Besiktas from the Clarets for half of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Holland international has been with his new teammates for a few days. Against Palace, the 30-year-old was given the opportunity to lead the Old Trafford side’s line.
In the first half, Weghorst had a shot on goal after Luke Shaw’s cross into the box. However, the tall striker hit it off-target. Other than that, the Holland international did not have much else to do in the match.
Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute after an excellent cutback from Christian Eriksen in the box. The Portuguese slotted his shot in the back of the net to give us the lead.
The second half was not as exciting from United, with the Eagles chain an equaliser. We did not create many opportunities and Weghorst was subsequently taken off. In the end, the Red Devils suffered heartbreak as Michael Olise equalised in stoppage time through a brilliant free-kick.
More Manchester United News
- Simon Jordan backs Manchester United to land Declan Rice over Arsenal
- Manchester United Academy player Shola Shoretire to be sent out on loan in the January transfer window
- Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race for Manchester United target David Raya
Anthony Martial has been on the sidelines a lot this season and it is good to have another body to play in the number nine position. The Holland international got much-needed minutes in his legs. Now, it remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old plays a part in the fixture against Arsenal.