Wout Weghorst calls teammate Anthony Martial 'injury-prone' as he opens up on role at Man Utd

Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst has made a so-called 'jibe' at teammate Anthony Martial after describing the striker as "injury-prone".

The 30-year-old joined Erik ten Hag's side on a six-month loan deal from Burnley in January without much expectation.

But the experienced Weghorst has earned regular first-team minutes at Old Trafford since his arrival. In fact, he has started all 18 games from January 18 onwards.

Speaking to The Mirror, Netherlands international Weghorst admitted his surprise at the amount of game time he's been given, but also referenced Anthony Martial's lack of fitness.

He said: “All Ten Hag said was that he needed a striker who could fit into his way of playing. He certainly did not paint the picture as it is now.

"Anthony Martial was his striker and he was doing fine - but he is injury-prone and the manager wanted all positions double-staffed.

“That's what I came for. But Ten Hag did say clearly ‘It is up to you. You can force things and the best one plays.’

"My dream has always been to get the most out of my career. To tap my ceiling. It makes me incredibly proud and happy.”

Weghorst, who lifted the first trophy of his 11-year professional career after United's Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle, has certainly impressed onlookers with his commendable hold-up play and work ethic.

But his goal-to-game ratio is poor. He has scored just two goals for United in games against Nottingham Forest and Real Betis and as a result, some have jumped to criticise the player, including Richard Keys and Paul Scholes.

Paul Scholes on Wout Weghorst: “He’s in the team to be defensive. He’s the one who runs about and rats about and everybody likes playing with him because he does that. But quality-wise as well you’ve got to have a certain level of quality to play for #mufc… it’s not there.” pic.twitter.com/D1ACXAlc1M

— Futball News (@FutballNews_) March 22, 2023

That being said, Weghorst is content with his stay at the Theatre of Dreams. In fact, he says he has done a "good job" for the Reds.

“That’s a lot of matches and it shows the trust in me," Weghorst said during this week's international break.

"It also shows that I am doing a good job for the team. That was the thing I wanted when I came here – to contribute and try and help the club to be successful to win trophies. We have one now.

"We have two more to go with the Europa League and FA Cup, and we want to get as high as possible in the table and definitely top four for the Champions League.

"So it just shows me that I am being part of it. And being part of us being successful and that appreciation, that’s a good thing.”

Thoughts on Weghorst's impact at Old Trafford since his arrival? Should United move to secure him on a permanent deal?

Let us know in the comments.