Peter Schmeichel questions loan signing of Wout Weghorst by Manchester United
Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has questioned the club’s signing of Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley in the previous transfer window.
The Holland international was brought to the Old Trafford side on a temporary move for the rest of the season. However, the 30-year-old has been a bit underwhelming, featuring heavily in the Red Devils’ starting lineup in the last few weeks.
Speaking to BBC (h/t Manchester Evening News), Schmeichel, who spent eight years as the number one at United, criticised Weghorst’s arrival. The ex-shot-stopper feels the club could have given a youngster a chance instead of adding the Holland international to their ranks.
“Wout Weghorst has arrived on loan. You can argue that’s what was available at the time but I’m thinking, ‘Is there not someone younger at the club you could have given that opportunity?’
“Wouldn’t that have been more beneficial for the club? They’ve brought in a striker who has played every game since he has arrived and scored one goal. It wasn’t even a deciding goal. Of course we are right to question that decision.”
The 30-year-old made a name for himself in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg for several years. Subsequently, Burnley acquired the striker’s services in January 2022.
However, Weghorst was unable to showcase his goal-scoring prowess in the Premier League. In the end, the Clarets were relegated from the English top flight, with the Holland international scoring two goals in 20 appearances.
Last summer, the 30-year-old joined Besiktas on loan, where he found his goal-scoring touch. The striker also showcased glimpses of what he brings to the table in the 2022 World Cup.
Wout Weghorst’s fans have a new name for him 😅 pic.twitter.com/1NRw9lgT87
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 23, 2023
United lost Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the campaign. With the 38-year-old’s departure, the Red Devils were left short-staffed in the attack. Anthony Martial has also had his fair share of injury troubles this term.
As a result, the Old Trafford side needed to add a natural number nine to the squad. While Weghorst has left a lot to be desired in front of goal, the 30-year-old has put in a shift whenever he has featured.
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Schmeichel is entitled to his opinion. But the Holland international should not be expected to find the back of the net on a consistent basis. He looks like a stop-gap arrival for the short term and has done relatively well.
