Soccer Football - Premier League - Leeds United v Manchester United - Elland Road, Leeds, Britain - February 12, 2023 Manchester United's Wout Weghorst Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Journalist Steve Bates believes striker Wout Weghorst is simply ‘not a Manchester United player’, following the 0-0 draw at home to Southampton.
The Lowdown: United held at home
The Red Devils hosted Saints in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, as they looked to bounce back from last weekend’s 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool.
It proved to be a frustrating day for United, however, as they were held by their relegation-threatened opponents, not helped by Casemiro’s first-half red card.
Weghorst again led the line for Erik ten Hag‘s side but he was unable to have a major say on proceedings, as his influence continues to flatter to deceive.
The Latest: Criticism for Weghorst
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Bates brutally admitted that the Dutchman simply isn’t up to the level required for United currently, following the Liverpool and Southampton games:
“I think Weghorst looked exactly what he is at times at Manchester United – and that’s not a Manchester United player, if I’m being honest.
“Collectively, it was just a horror show and I’m sure ten Hag ruminated on what he saw. But maybe he will give those players another chance.”
The Verdict: Needs to go this summer
Weghorst’s attitude at United cannot be questioned and he appears to be a popular figure – his teammates were delighted for him when he scored against Real Betis last week – but he is not good enough to be starting regular games for them.
The 19-cap Netherlands international has failed to score in his eight Premier League appearances for the Reds and he is too one-dimensional because of his lack of legs, blunting the attack at times.
Weghorst was only signed until the end of the season, and while the option is there for Ten Hag to extend his stay, it makes complete sense not to retain his services, despite being hailed for his ‘great personality and character’ by his manager recently.
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