"They believe I am absolutely an asset for the team" - Manchester United star claims media reports are wrong about his Old Trafford future
Manchester United attacker Wout Weghorst has said that the club have not told him anything about his future, adding that reports about his imminent exit are false.
United signed Weghorst on loan from Burnley in January. The striker has failed to provide a dependable source of goals, scoring only twice and claiming three assists in 27 games across competitions. As per Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag’s side are unlikely to keep Weghorst beyond the summer.
Amidst reports of his summer departure, Weghorst has reiterated his importance to the 20-time English champions. He said that United value his contributions, adding that the club are yet to communicate a concrete decision about his future.
The Dutchman told The Times following United’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday (May 7):
“In those (talks), the club said they are very satisfied with me. It has absolutely not been communicated with me that Man United don’t want to continue with me.
"They appreciate my value. They believe I am absolutely an asset for the team. Of course I have heard different things (in the media). I have to wait and see what happens and focus on our goals in the league and cup competitions.”
Weghorst, who is still searching for his first Premier League goal for Manchester United, started against the Hammers at the London Stadium. It was his first start for United since the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on April 2.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says Wout Weghorst not competent enough to wear No. 10 shirt
Following Manchester United’s defeat to West Ham United, their former player Rio Ferdinand took a jab at Wout Weghorst for his uninspired performance.
The Englishman said that Weghorst is not worthy of wearing the No. 10 shirt at United, adding that the number should be worn by someone more creative. Speaking on BT Sport, the former centre-back said:
“I just think Man Utd’s No.10, a top team's No.10 doesn’t look like a Weghorst in my eyes. Let’s look at it another way, if I’m (Jadon) Sancho, Bruno (Fernandes), (Alejandro) Garnacho, Martial and I’m sitting there watching him line up as a No.10 in front of me, the No.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. He 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 No.10 – that’s not what No.10s are known for doing.”
Against West Ham, the Manchester United striker attempted only one shot. He lost five of seven duels, played a single pass into the final third and completed just 16 passes before being taken off in the 57th minute.