Dick Advocaat comments on Erik ten Hag’s decision to sign Wout Weghorst

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Erik ten Hag acted smartly to bring Wout Weghorst to the club in the January transfer window to fill a gap created by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.

Anthony Martial’s injury further pushed need for a striker, and with no money available to spend, United struck a loan deal for Weghorst.

It was not an obvious move, with Weghorst on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas, and having struggled to score at Burnley last season.

Weghorst’s struggle for goals have continued at Manchester United, but as part of a winning team, his hard work is being appreciated.

• READ: Five things we learned as Manchester United win the Carabao Cup

Dick Advocaat on Erik ten Hag

Highly respected Dutch manager Dick Advocaat has expressed his admiration for the move to sign Weghorst, and admitted that it is not one he would have thought of.

The former Netherlands, PSV, Rangers and Sunderland manager spoke to Voetbal International about the move.

He explained: “I wouldn’t have made it to Weghorst myself. Ten Hag did and he is doing great. You see him performing better every week. 

“I have met Weghorst once. Then he himself doubted where his level was. I told him to keep being himself.”

Weghorst may have only scored once, but he has been a regular in Ten Hag’s side, proving to be a reliable option when Anthony Martial’s fitness has made him anything but.

The on loan striker has been a key part of United’s recent strong run of form, with his hard work on and off the ball creating chances for his teammates, and integral to Ten Hag’s tactics.

Advocaat added that he believes Weghorst is bringing out the best in Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

He said: “His mentality is great. It’s also great that he’s made it this far. Surely no one could have imagined this? That is also a quality of Ten Hag, because I had not seen it. 

“He has an impact on the entire game. Rashford suddenly scores goal after goal. Bruno Fernandes is getting better and better. That has a reason. We didn’t see them last year. Now it is.”

Weghorst provided an assist in the Carabao Cup final, helping Manchester United to win the game, the first trophy of his career, and now he is hungry for more.