Manchester United fans are reacting to Wout Weghorst's forgettable performance in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon after Erik ten Hag's comments about his future.
Ahead of this weekend's clash against Newcastle, United boss Ten Hag suggested that Weghorst could have a future beyond the end of his loan spell at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old Netherlands international, who joined the Reds on a six-month loan deal from Burnley in January, has been a regular in recent weeks.
In fact, Weghorst has made 19 consecutive starts for United and it appears Ten Hag is impressed with his form.
Advert
"Of course [he could stay permanently] and I think he is doing a lot of elements of football [I like] - doing them really well. And he's doing a really good job for us," he said.
"Pressing: he is the leader of the process in pressing, starts the press, very good in backward pressing. He is taking up positions, his link-up play he's doing really well. He is making good movements, making space for others, so he's also good in set-plays, so he is really contributing to this team.
"I think after Christmas we play 25 games and we lost two and he played almost all of the games so he is really part of the success."
A day after making those comments and Ten Hag watched on at St James' Park as Weghorst struggled to make an impact.
The Dutch striker managed just 10 touches before being subbed off in the 62nd minute for fellow striker Anthony Martial – a frustrating outing for the Burnley loanee.
It's fair to say a large section of the United fan base on social media were far from impressed with his performance.
One said: "Listen, I really respect Wout Weghorst for coming and giving it a go, he’s probably a really good bloke as well but he’s just nowhere near this level unfortunately. With the greatest of respect toward him, Manchester United should not be looking to keep him beyond his loan."
A second wrote: "I can’t watch Weghorst anymore," while a third commented: "Marital has looked a threat since coming on. Just need him to stay fit because as much as he tries hard, Weghorst isn’t United level."
A fourth said: "I really like Weghorst but I've totally changed my mind on signing him permanently. Works hard for the team & a very likeable character but he just is not good enough. If we want to push for multiple trophies we need much better quality. Grateful for his workrate and effort."
A fifth added: "I like Wout Weghorst, he gives his all which couldn’t be said for a lot of players last season. But he’s just not good enough to be our starting striker week in week out."
Second-half goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson sealed all three points for the Magpies, who jumped above Manchester United in the Premier League ladder and into third.
The Reds could drop down to fifth if Spurs beat Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night.
Thoughts on Weghorst's performance against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon? Does he deserve a permanent move to Old Trafford based on his loan spell so far?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Wout Weghorst, Manchester United, Premier League, Newcastle United, Erik Ten Hag
Jack Kenmare