Man United are on the lookout for a new striker, and according to recent reports, have identified Burnley’s Wout Weghorst.
Although Weghorst, 30, is on Burnley’s books, he is currently enjoying a decent loan spell in Turkey with Besiktas. Scoring nine and providing four assists in his first 18 matches, it is clear the Netherlands international is in good form, and it is that good form that is understood to have alerted Erik Ten Hag to his possible availability.
According to a recent report from The Athletic, the 20-time league winners are giving serious consideration to bringing the 30-year-old to Old Trafford in a short-term deal.
However, despite being a fully-fledged senior international for Louis Van Gaal’s Oranje, one person who doesn’t think the former Wolfsburg forward is worthy of such a high-profile move is former Aston Villa and Liverpool attacker Stan Collymore.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Chelsea still keen on midfielder transfer, Man Utd could sign PL flop – Fabrizio Romano
Comparing Weghorst’s proposed move to United to Liverpool’s signing of Andy Carroll back in 2011, Collymore believes Burnley’s on-loan striker is a ‘Poundland’ signing and one the Red Devils should not make.
“He’s big, he’s strong and he has some really good pressing stats, but make no mistake… He is no Man United player,” Collymore said in an exclusive interview.
“It goes without saying that United need a striker but Wout Weghorst would be a punt and a big gamble. I just don’t see him as a Premier League quality player and someone who has ever had to show that he can handle the monumental pressure that comes with leading United’s attack – It feels like another Andy Carroll signing for Liverpool situation.
“I’m sure the club and the fans will get behind him and give him what he needs, but, like Carroll not being good enough for Liverpool, Weghorst, in my view, isn’t good enough for United.
“However, as I mentioned, he has a really good work rate, so it may well be that United and their fans love him and he ends up being an important player. But for me, personally, he’s a Poundland signing, as opposed to a Waitrose one, and not one I’d be looking to make.”
What do you think? – Would Weghorst prove his doubters wrong at Man United, or would he be a poor signing? – Let us know in the comments.
Stan is right. From a United fan
He’s 6’6″ = scores with his head, makes route one football an option when needed, helps defend balls into the box from opposition corners and free-kicks (much needed).
He scores goals!!!!
He’s very strong and can play up top on his own and maintain possession.
He has amazing ball control for any player but in particular for a man of his size.
As was witnessed in the WC, he will press the opposition and make playing out of the back tough.
He won’t expect to start every match and as such his inclusion won’t upset the teams’ rhythm.
He’s Dutch so he comes with a strong sense of self = he’s a very confident man.
And he isn’t expensive.
What’s not to like