Erik ten Hag says Manchester United perform ‘better’ with 30-year-old on the pitch

Erik ten Hag feels Manchester United perform “better” with Wout Weghorst in team

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag feels the Old Trafford side perform “better” with Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst in the lineup.

The Holland international signed for the Red Devils in the previous transfer window on a temporary move from the Clarets until the end of the season. Since then, the striker has been a constant fixture in the Manchester-based club’s starting lineup.

Speaking to the media via the Chief writer for the Manchester Evening News Samuel Luckhurst on Twitter

, Ten Hag expressed his delight at the 30-year-old’s performances. The Dutch manager has hailed the forward’s impact at United.

“I think I’m happy with Wout is doing. Because when Wout is in the team the team is performing better.”

Weghorst has made 18 appearances in all competitions so far for the Red Devils in the current campaign. However, the Holland international has only been able to find the back of the net twice and has provided two assists.

Ten Hag has used the striker’s energy and work rate to press opposition teams from the front. The 30-year-old’s industry has seen him be an important player for the Old Trafford side defensively.

The gaffer has also opted to put Weghorst in a somewhat unorthodox position on occasions, playing him in the number 10 role. While it has worked at times, the Holland international’s evident lack of creativity has also been a hindrance.

However, the 30-year-old is doing the job he was brought in for. The striker was seemingly not expected to play week in, week out for United. He should be seen as more of an impact substitute.

But due to Anthony Martial’s fitness issues this season, Weghorst has found himself in the thick of things. To expect the forward to score goals consistently does not seem the right thing to do.

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For his part, the Holland international is giving his all whenever he steps onto the pitch. In the absence of another natural striker, the 30-year-old has done well.