"A top team's number 10 doesn't look like a Weghorst" – Rio Ferdinand names 4 Manchester United stars who'll be unhappy with Erik ten Hag decision
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that four Red Devils players will be discontent with an Erik ten Hag decision. Wout Weghorst was handed a start in his team's 1-0 loss at West Ham United on Sunday (7 May).
The Red Devils slumped to their second successive Premier League defeat at the London Stadium. Said Benrahma bagged the decisive goal in the 27th minute as the visitors struggled to find a way back against the Hammers.
Weghorst, 30, started the away clash in a number 10 role behind Marcus Rashford before being substituted off in the 57th minute. He completed 16 passes, created one chance and registered just one shot during the contest.
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand expressed his frustration at Weghorst's position under Ten Hag. He said:
"I just think Manchester United's number 10, a top team's number 10 doesn't look like a Weghorst in my eyes. The attributes that he's got isn't suited [for a midfield role], no matter how good his pressing is."
Ferdinand claimed that Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial will be disappointed with their manager's decision to start a target man in a creative midfield role. He continued:
"Let's look at it another way, if I'm Sancho, Bruno, Garnacho, Martial and I'm sitting there watching him line up as a number 10 in front of me, the number 10 shirt means something else. It's a player that can create, has got guile, can get between the lines and get on the half turn and bring other people into play in that sense and get goals."
Sharing his thoughts on the 21-cap Netherlands striker, Ferdinand concluded:
"Weghorst doesn't offer all those things I've just said there. I think his best piece of play today was a tackle in his own box. That's a defensive midfielder's work, that's not what number 10s are known for doing."
Since joining Manchester United from Burnley on a six-month loan deal, Weghorst has registered two goals and three assists in 27 games across all competitions. He is yet to open his account in 14 Premier League matches so far.
Manchester United star willing to secure another loan move: Reports
According to The Sun, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is willing to spend a successive season on loan away from the club. The Red Devils are of the opinion that the Ivorian star could improve with another temporary spell.
Diallo, 20, has been in fine form for Sunderland in the ongoing 2022-23 campaign. He has helped his current club in their fight for an EFL Championship play-off spot, registering 12 goals and three assists in 36 league matches.
A left-footed inverted winger blessed with pace and flair, Diallo joined Manchester United from Atalanta in a deal worth around £37 million in 2021. He has made nine appearances for his parent club, scoring once in the process.