Manchester United might have no Champions League football but a former Red Devils player is making headlines in Europe.
It has become a frustrating trend at Manchester United that players who leave have gone on to shine, so it is almost refreshing to see a former player have a poor performance.
A 15th-placed finish last season means that United are out of Europe, but there is a cohort of ex-players and loanees who are enjoying Champions League football this season.
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Marcus Rashford scored twice against Olympiacos for Barcelona, while Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay are part of Napoli’s campaign.
But former loan signing Wout Weghorst had a night to forget in the Champions League for Ajax.
Manchester United v Real Betis Sevilla - UEFA Europa League
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Wout Weghorst dropped ‘bizarre’ Champions League display
Weghorst joined United on loan in 2023 under Erik ten Hag as a short-term solution to a shortage of strikers.
Two goals in 31 appearances for the Red Devils tells the story of his short stint at Old Trafford. After leaving United, Weghorst signed for Ajax and his latest Champions League display for the Dutch side was… eye-catching.
Ajax lost 5-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and Weghorst was replaced at half-time after a “bizarre” first-half display.
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As per The Sun, Weghorst’s first 45 minutes was “absolutely mad”. The 33-year-old scored from the penalty spot for the visitors, but immediately undid his good work by conceding a spot-kick just minutes later.
Weghorst was also tangled in a challenge which left him with a bloody head, and he was also targeted by the Chelsea fans. As per talkSPORT, Chelsea fans chanted “s*** Andy Carroll” towards the former United loanee.
Ajax manager John Heitinga decided to put an end to Weghorst’s nightmare display at half-time by bringing him off the pitch.
Man United learned from Wout Weghorst lesson
Ten Hag raised eyebrows at United when he decided to bring in Weghorst on an emergency loan.
Having spent the previous two years at Burnley, Weghorst was not considered United quality by supporters and that quickly proved to be true.
READ MORE: Every Erik ten Hag signing at Manchester United, where are they now
Weghorst was “abysmally bad” and it taught United that they need to plan their transfer business better.
Ineos appeared to learn their lesson this summer as they overhauled United’s attack with three major signings in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.