Sources: Man United pull plug on Wout Weghorst deal
Man United have decided to not sign Wout Weghorst on a permanent deal this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 30-year-old joined the Red Devils on a six-month loan in January from Burnley, and he is now expected to return to Turf Moor in the summer.
Weghorst was signed to bolster United’s attacking depth following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, but United are keen to keep his stay to a short spell until a new striker arrives in the summer.
Erik ten Hag has been impressed by Weghorst‘s attitude and work rate since joining the Manchester club, but remains focused on bringing a world-class centre-forward to Old Trafford in the summer.
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has emerged as a top target for the Red Devils this summer, with the Nigerian in fine form for the Serie A leaders.
Football Insider sources revealed last month (5 March) that Osimhem tops a four-striker shortlist for Man United this summer.
Weghorst was thrown immediately into the mix by Ten Hag upon his arrival in January, with Anthony Martial injured on the sidelines as the only other recognisable striker in the squad.
Weghorst has appeared in nine of United’s 10 league matches since his winter arrival. The only league game he has missed is the clash against Brentford on Wednesday night when Ten Hag chose to keep him on the bench.
He has scored just twice for United in 19 appearances for the club, with his finishing in front of goal coming under criticism from fans and pundits.
But Ten Hag insists he keeps picking Weghorst because of his positioning and defensive work.
“He is often in the right position, if he fails [to score], he keeps going,” said Ten Hag. “He has shown great personality and character.”
In other news, Man United now want to sign 29-year-old after dressing room claim revealed