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Topics: Wout Weghorst, Manchester United, Paul Scholes, Premier League, Netherlands
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Wout Weghorst, Manchester United, Paul Scholes, Premier League, Netherlands
Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst has insisted he is "doing a good job" for the team, despite facing criticism from certain figures in the football world, including Paul Scholes and Richard Keys.
The 30-year-old Netherlands international, who joined Erik ten Hag's project on a six-month loan deal in January, has been a regular starter for United since arriving from Championship outfit Burnley.
In fact, Weghorst has made 18 appearances in all competitions for his new club, including a start in their Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle – a game that produced the first trophy of his 11-year professional career.
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Displaying great hold-up play and work ethic in the majority of his outings, the former Wolfsburg man has earned plaudits from some.
That being said, Weghorst has had his fair share of critics. Earlier this month, TV presenter Richard Keys launched a scathing assessment of the Dutch forward after their 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.
"It’s his [Ten Hag's] decision to keep playing Wout Weghorst,’ he wrote in his online blog.’ It’s not Weghorst’s fault, but he has to be the worst player I’ve ever seen in a United jersey.
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"He’s a bang ordinary No.9, who couldn’t get in a struggling Burnley team, but what on earth possesses Seven Hag to think he’s a sumptuous 10? One who can ‘wear the tuxedo’ as the Americans say.
"‘Come on. It’s a joke and the manager has got to give up pretending that Weghorst has got something to offer."
Keys added: "He’s not a ‘pressing monster’. He doesn’t ‘make runs’ because he can’t run. And he doesn’t score goals. You can’t start him – push Fernandes left and leave £80m Sancho on the bench. Too clever Erik. Far too clever."
After that game against Liverpool, former United midfielder Paul Scholes also claimed Weghorst doesn't have the quality needed to stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer.
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But the man himself 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 the 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.
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"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.”
Speaking to Veronica Inside while on international duty for the Netherlands this week, Weghorst also said he is living out his dream of playing for the 13-time Premier League champions.
“Am I living a dream? Certainly. In my opinion, this is the absolute top and one of the largest clubs in the world.
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“I feel like I'm very much in my place. I am super happy, very happy. I play at a beautiful level and can be of value as a basic player. That makes me a happy man.”
Thoughts on Weghorst's time at United? Do you think the club should sign him on a permanent basis this summer?
Let us know in the comments.