Wout Weghorst claimed Erik ten Hag’s tactics didn’t provide him a platform to succeed at Manchester United.
Weghorst realised a boyhood dream when United paid £3million last January to cut short the Dutchman’s loan move to Turkish club Besiktas.
And while Weghorst picked up a Carabao Cup winner’s medal and notched an appearance in the FA Cup final, he endured a dismal time in front of goal in his five-month spell in Manchester.
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The Netherlands international, who is now on loan at German club Hoffenheim, scored just two goals for United in 31 appearances.
And the forward has now claimed that his failure to find the net was partly down to the tactics employed by Ten Hag.
Weghorst explained, via the Mirror: "They were super successful months in which we hardly lost.
“I was also very important for the team, as both a focal point of play and the hard-working link between midfield and attack.
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“Only my goals were lagging behind. That gnawed at me and was the reason why I lost my starting place.
“The Premier League is by far the toughest league in the world, with the best defenders. But we were rarely the dominant side creating chances. And the way we played was also different from what I was used to.
“In Germany and Turkey, the teams always played for me. I was the end of the line, while at United I mainly had to ensure that others could excel. I think I managed that very well. But whichever way you look at it, I would have liked to score much more often.”
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Weghost also explained his emotion when United first registered an interest in him.
Signed by Burnley from Wolfsburg for £12million in January 2021, the 6ft6 forward was loaned to Besiktas when the Clarets were relegated and thrived in Turkey.
Weghorst said: “Things went very well at Besiktas and I was enjoying myself immensely there.
“One evening my agent Simon Cziommer called me. I was already in bed, rocking my daughter Daantje to sleep. But I answered the call and Simon said ‘There are two clubs interested in you.’
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“First he told me a story about Brentford - and then he suddenly shouted ‘Wout, United want you!’ I dropped the phone and burst into tears.
“My relationship with Besiktas' sporting director was very good and I explained to him that it was my boyhood dream to play for Manchester United. He said he understood, but Besiktas kept coming up with more and more financial offers. I won't mention any amounts, but believe me when I say that I lost a lot to make the transfer possible.
"I entered that magical stadium for the first time in my life and when I sat down in my seat, looked around and took in the chanting of the fans, it hit me hard.
“That was the moment when I realised this is my club now. Then I watched one of the greatest football matches on earth [United beating Manchester City 2-1]. Of course, I had dreamed about this as a young boy. But to see it actually happen made me shiver.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty/Hoffenheim via YouTubeTopics: Erik Ten Hag, Wout Weghorst, Manchester United, Premier League