Look back at Wout Weghorst‘s performance for Manchester United away at Barcelona and the first moment which springs to mind was his missed chance in the first half.
The Dutchman shot straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen when through on goal. Those are the type of chances top strikers have to score in big games.
Beyond that, Weghorst contributed well to United’s game plan. Erik ten Hag deployed him in a deeper role, which released Marcus Rashford to lead the line, countering Barcelona’s plan to use Ronald Araujo at full-back to combat him.
Rashford scored one and created another, so the plan worked. Weghorst’s performance has also been singled out for praise.
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Weghorst performance praised
Weghorst’s contribution was praised by Netherlands-based journalist Süleyman Öztürk, speaking to Voetbal International.
He explained how Weghorst’s deployment deep and his incredible work rate helped to stifle Barcelona’s plan to dominate possession.
Öztürk said: “His task was to get in the way of Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessié. Entirely according to Cruijff’s adage. Ten Hag used the possibilities within his selection to contain the power of Barcelona.
“Weghorst as a bulldozer in midfield sounds ridiculous and it also looked a bit ridiculous. Yet it worked, so that Xavi will have to look at his team in a different way for the return at Old Trafford.”
Barcelona already have to switch up their approach due to Pedri’s injury and Gavi’s suspension. They will welcome back Sergio Busquets from injury for the fixture.
Busquets likes to dominate the play from deep, and it is possible to envision Weghorst playing the same role again to try and stop the Spaniard getting time and space on the ball.
Weghorst’s work rate has been outstanding since joining, and he is showing no sign of slowing down despite starting the last 10 consecutive game.
Even with a lack of goals, Weghorst is proving a very useful option for Ten Hag. If he does get on the scoresheet on Thursday night, it will raise the roof at Old Trafford.
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