Aheed Abrar
Wout Weghorst pleased with performances as number 10 for Manchester United
Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst is pleased about his performance as a number 10 for the club in recent fixtures.
The Holland international has been deployed behind the centre-forward in the last few matches. First, against Leeds United in the second half, Erik ten Hag made the switch and put the 30-year-old in the playmaking role.
As a result, Burno Fernandes went to the right-hand side of the midfield, with Marcus Rashford playing as a number nine. In the end, the tactic worked, with the 25-year-old breaking the deadlock and the former Wolfsburg star setting up Alejandro Garnacho for the second goal at Elland Road.
Speaking to club media, Weghorst liked the experience in a new role. However, the striker is delighted to have contributed to the positive result.
“It happened in the second half and it went good for myself. It was actually new and the first time I’d played there but I quite liked it.
“The most important thing for me is to help the team. It helped us to win the match over there, doing also my defensive work. I took it on and, especially for the first time, I think I can be happy with it.”
The gaffer opted to deploy the 30-year-old in the same position from the start against Barcelona in the first leg of the Europa League playoff tie. While the Holland international missed a one-on-one opportunity in the match, his work rate and industry were admirable.
It was an end-to-end game as Marcos Alonso gave the Balaugrana the lead before Rashford equalised. The England international subsequently created the chance that eventually gave us the lead. But Raphinha levelled the scoring as the match ended 2-2.
Weghorst signed for United in the previous transfer window on loan from Burnley. The forward was brought to add cover for Anthony Martial, who has often been on the sidelines this season.
However, the Holland international has not had a fruitful time in front of goal. He has scored just one goal in nine appearances in all competitions for the Old Trafford side.
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However, while the 30-year-old leaves a lot to be desired with his finishing, the striker’s industry cannot be faulted. It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will go with the same tactic going forward.
