Wout Weghorst reflected on his six month loan spell at Manchester United, opening up about his emotions when signing for the Red Devils but also the reality of failing to hit the heights he had hoped
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with striker Wout Weghorst
Wout Weghorst believes he could have scored more goals at United and Ten Hag's tactics didn't help his cause
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Former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst has shed light on his time at the club and blamed Erik ten Hag’s tactics for his failure to lay down a mark at Old Trafford.
United’s signing of the 6ft 6in striker from Burnley on a loan deal in January 2023 sent shockwaves through the Premier League. After a brief yet successful loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas, Weghorst joined his fellow countryman Ten Hag at United at a time when they were looking to fill the enormous gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
The Dutchman showed incredible passion each time he wore the United jersey but ultimately managed just two goals in 31 appearances across all competitions during his six month stay, failing to find the net in the Premier League. He did, however, win the Carabao Cup that season and assisted Marcus Rashford in the final against Newcastle.
That marked the only major trophy of the 33-year-old’s career. But Weghorst has since opened up about his lack of goals, claiming he was used as a foil to get the best out of others and citing Ten Hag’s system as the reason.
"They were super successful months in which we hardly lost," Weghorst said. "I was also very important for the team as both a focal point of play and the hard-working link between midfield and attack.
“Only my goals were lagging behind. That gnawed at me and was the reason why I lost my starting place. The Premier League is by far the toughest league in the world, with the best defenders. But we were rarely the dominant side creating chances. And the way we played was also different from what I was used to.
“In Germany and Turkey, the teams always played for me. I was the end of the line, while at United, I mainly had to ensure that others could excel. I think I managed that very well. But whichever way you look at it, I would have liked to score much more often.”
The Netherlands international, now playing for Ajax, spoke openly about refusing a lucrative offer from Besiktas after a spell where he scored nine goals in 18 matches. But his mind was ultimately made up when United came calling, after he had helped his nation reach the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.
“Things went very well at Besiktas and I was enjoying myself immensely there," the striker explained. “One evening my agent Simon Cziommer called me. Simon said ‘there are two clubs interested in you. First he told me a story about Brentford - and then he suddenly shouted ‘Wout, United want you!’ I dropped the phone and burst into tears.
Wout Weghorst of Manchester United celebrating
Weghorst only scored two goals for United(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images.)
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“My relationship with Besiktas' sporting director was very good and I explained to him that it was my boyhood dream to play for Manchester United. He said he understood, but Besiktas kept coming up with more and more financial offers. I won't mention any amounts, but believe me when I say that I lost a lot to make the transfer possible.”
Weghorst’s love for United was such that he lifted the lid on how his emotions got the better of him when he watched United beat rivals City 2-1 in the Manchester derby while his transfer was being sealed. He admitted: "I entered that magical stadium for the first time in my life and when I sat down in my seat, looked around and took in the chanting of the fans, it hit me hard.
“That was the moment when I realised this is my club now. Then I watched one of the greatest football matches on earth. Of course I had dreamed about this as a young boy. But to see it actually happen made me shiver.”
He was often utilised as a lone striker under Ten Hag and the lack of chances created for him played a key part in his meagre goals tally, meaning he looks back on his time at the club as bittersweet. He said: “There was zero adjustment time. The pressure was bizarre and the physical strain greater than I had ever experienced.
Wout Weghorst of Manchester United clapping
Weghorst said it was his 'dream' to play for the club
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“Only in the last few months did I feel I was really comfortable in it. Then I became myself and dared to throw off the shyness. In the period before that, maybe I was too humble.
“But I will never forget my goal at Old Trafford against Real Betis. The fans were super crazy about me because they also saw that I was doing everything for it. I'm quite proud that I got this far.”
Upon leaving the club in the summer of 2023, Weghorst put his love for United, and thanks to their fans, on record. Alongside a video compilation of his time with United, he said: "Dear Man United fans, thanks for everything. I really enjoyed every single second at this club, from winning silverware to scoring my first goal against Betis at Old Trafford.
"Dreams came true. Unbelievably proud to wear the badge. I wish you all the best for the future. Man United fans, thank you very much." Weghorst moved to Ajax in August 2024 following another loan spell at German club Hoffenheim.
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