Erik ten Hag gives verdict on Wout Weghorst performance v Leicester

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If you have not figured it out by now, Wout Weghorst‘s game is about much more than scoring goals.

Which is just as well, because he has only scored once in 10 games for the club. Weghorst keeps going, and simply being available is a very useful trait for United right now.

Weghorst has already made more starts for Manchester United this season than Anthony Martial. The Frenchman has scored more goals, but has been completely unreliable.

With Weghorst in the line-up, United’s players have been able to enjoy some consistency, and this is something manager Erik ten Hag recognises.

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Ten Hag on Weghorst

Erik ten Hag spoke to Sky Sports and MUTV after the 3-0 win over Leicester and was asked about Weghorst.

He spoke highly of the Netherlands international, and says Manchester United are a better team when he is in it.

Ten Hag said: “He defends, he recovers balls, he presses. In the second half, we were better at pressing and he is the first to do it, he does it very well.

“I think he brings a lot to the team. From the moment he came, the attacking line is more dynamic and even better at pressing. So I think we improved our game from the moment he came in.”

Weghorst won 11 duels in Manchester United’s win, more than any player on the pitch.

Featuring in roles as a centre-forward as a deeper striker, Weghorst gives Ten Hag extra tactical versatility, and his work rate is remarkably impressive.

At present his main issue is poor finishing, which has looked to be a simple matter of confidence. Weghorst joined the club knowing it was a short-term deal, and has looked anxious, desperate to prove himself, and perhaps just over-thinking it.

Weghorst has a lot more to give, and it would be fantastic to see him pop up with a vital goal in upcoming games against Barcelona, Newcastle or even at Anfield against Liverpool.

His hard work is not going unnoticed. The goals will come. He has 172 club goals to his name, more than any current Manchester United player. Just one has come in a United shirt, hopefully we won’t have to wait too much longer for his next goal.