Wout Weghorst has explained why he believes his willingness and ability to press from the front perfectly aligns with Erik ten Hag‘s footballing philosophy.
Since taking the reins at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has worked on improving his players fitness and the ability to press and hassle the opposition for the full 90 minutes.
After a difficult start to life in the Premier League, Ten Hag’s philosophy and style of play is radiating throughout the United team right now.
The 52-year-old’s blueprint of energy, work rate and total football is coming to the fore with every passing day of his tenure.
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Wout Weghorst explains why his style of play perfectly suits Erik ten Hag’s philosophy
Weghorst, who has joined the Red Devils on loan for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign from Championship leaders Burnley, believes he possesses the qualities to seamlessly slot into Ten Hag’s team.
Speaking in his first interview since making the move to Old Trafford, the 30-year-old said: “I think that’s something that’s one of my strengths [pressing].
“Especially without the ball, to put pressure on an opponent [and] be active.
“That’s something I am capable of and that’s also something in the way the trainer [Ten Hag] wants to play. He wants to play aggressive; he wants to go high on the pitch, try to recover the ball there, as quickly as possible, and I think I can help the team with that.”
Following his move to Turf Moor last January from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, the 19-time Netherlands international was ranked as the best presser in the top-flight during the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.
He averaged 48.7 presses per 90 minutes during his 20 Premier League appearances for the Clarets which brought two goals.
The 6ft 6in towering striker could make his Manchester United debut in tomorrow night’s rearranged Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
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