Wout Weghorst looked a little disappointed as he was substituted 59 minutes into Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace.
The Dutch striker worked hard and ‘did a shift’ for United up front, but like all centre-forwards, he knows he will be judged on goals.
Weghorst has only one goal in a United shirt so far, and is yet to net in the Premier League. Having signed on loan for the rest of the season, the striker knows he has a limited time to make an impression.
Fortunately, there could be help on the way, with the imminent return of Diogo Dalot.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Dalot could get the best out of Weghorst
Diogo Dalot returned to first team training last week after suffering an injury in the Carabao Cup quarter-final in early January.
He was back on the bench for United in the Premier League against Crystal Palace on Saturday, an unused substitute.
Dalot will certainly have some involvement in the two upcoming league games against Leeds. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is due a rest.
Dalot was a regular in the first part of the season, and new striker Wout Weghorst could benefit from his re-introduction into the side.
The Portugal international was excellent before the World Cup, and his crossing numbers held up with the very best in the league.
At the date of November 1, Dalot stood level with Kevin de Bruyne statistically, with 10 successful crosses delivered into the box. This was joint second in the league.
This is more crosses than Wan-Bissaka has even attempted (nine).
Weghorst is a player who works tremendously hard, but ultimately, his productivity in front of goal is reliant on service.
Against Palace he had just one attempt at goal, forcing a save from Vicente Guaita.
Getting Dalot back into the team can help Manchester United, and specifically, the club’s new 6ft 6″ striker, who has a lot more to give.