Wout Weghorst explains '2+7' theory behind shirt number pick, he reached out to Alex Telles

Wout Weghorst has explained why he decided to wear the number 27 jersey at Manchester United.

The 30-year-old forward took part in his first training session as a United player on Sunday after he put pen to paper on a season-long loan move from Championship side Burnley.

Weghorst, who was in the stands on Saturday for the Manchester derby, has since conducted his first interview with the club's media team.

He opened up how fans should pronounce his name, his first impressions of Old Trafford and his relationship with new teammates Donny van de Beek and Tyrell Malacia.

Weghorst also explained the decision behind choosing the number 27 shirt – and the conversations he had with Alex Telles, who is currently on loan at La Liga strugglers Sevilla.

“Of course, I looked into the ones that are free or available," the Dutchman said. "Two and seven will make nine, of course – a striker’s number. I had a feeling with it.”

After discussions between club and player accelerated, the former Wolfsburg forward got in touch with Telles to enquire about the possibility of taking his jersey number for the remainder of this season.

“Of course, when I came here, I heard about it was Alex [Telles]’s number, he got loaned out now,” he added.

"I first had to ask him if that was okay, so I said that was, for me, important and then, in the end, there was no problem so thanks to him also.

“So yeah, I go for the 27 and actually it’s just because I had a good feeling with it.”

In the interview, Weghorst also opened up on when he became aware of Manchester United's interest, and what attracted him to join.

When asked about when he found out about the interest, the striker said: “Over a week ago now. My agent called me actually for the first time and I was together with my girl, and she was a little bit shocked because she saw my face and I was like 'oof'.

"So yeah, it was a special moment and that was really nice, of course.”

He added: "[The move] is good for me. Also, to be honest, I think it’s the right moment as I feel as a footballer.

"I’m 30 years old now. I also already have experience in the Premier League - that was not as successful as I hoped - and I am really waiting and looking forward to getting back here because, in my opinion, it is still the biggest competition in the world and now I’m going to play for one of the biggest clubs in England.

"For me, [to play for] the biggest club is, of course, amazing, and as I’ve always said as a football player, and also as a human being, the stage I am at now, the [experience] that I have, I am ready for it. This is the right moment to take on this great challenge, of course.”

💬 Wout has explained why he decided to wear the number 2️⃣7️⃣ shirt at United...#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2023

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