Rene Meulensteen reacts to Wout Weghorst to Manchester United speculation

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Former Manchester United assistant boss Rene Meulensteen has given his backing to a potential deal for Wout Weghorst.

Footmercato first reported Manchester United’s interest in the striker, who is currently on loan with Besiktas from Burnley.

Weghorst has scored eight goals in 16 games this season, also providing four assists. He also netted twice at the World Cup.

Meulensteen has told BBC Sport that he believes Weghorst would be a good signing, from both a style and character perspective.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Meulensteen backs Weghorst to United

Meulensteen said of his fellow Dutchman: “He is different, that is why Ten Hag is bringing him in. He offers something else that the other Manchester United forwards don’t have – but I don’t think he will be a starter every game.

“He is tall, standing at 6ft 6in, and if United need to go a bit more direct and play off the knockdown, he is the type of guy that can offer that in the box. He is good at link-up play too, you can give him the ball then play through him.

“He is a good character who is determined, a hard worker and a fighter – those are his biggest traits. He is a nice lad too and there is no nonsense with him – Weghorst will put a shift in for the team.

“He possesses all the qualities Ten Hag wants in a player and so will fit in at United.”

Character is important to Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has spent his first few months at Manchester United moulding his squad, and there is plenty of work to do.

He has made clear with the signings he has brought to the club that he wants spirited, battling players with technical quality, highlighted by the traits possessed by Lisandro Martinez.

If Weghorst can add to that, then he could be a very shrewd short-term option. United need numbers up front, with Anthony Martial’s fitness unreliable, and they need a real striker.

It could be tricky to get Weghorst out of his Besiktas contract, and the striker will have to push for it. If he does, then this desire to play for United will stand him in good stead for when he arrives.