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Topics: Wout Weghorst, Burnley, Football, Premier League, Manchester United
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Wout Weghorst, Burnley, Football, Premier League, Manchester United
Concerns are growing over Wout Weghorst's suitability to start up front for Manchester United after the striker drew another blank against Newcastle on Sunday.
United were beaten 2-0 at St James' Park, as Joe Willock and Callum Wilson secured a deserved victory for the home side.
Newcastle are now third in the Premier League table after leapfrogging United, who now face a battle to finish in the top four – just months after it looked like they might mount a title challenge.
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United have failed to score in their last three Premier League matches, while conceding nine times – albeit seven of those goals coming in a chastening defeat to rivals Liverpool.
Weghorst was criticised after the defeat to Newcastle, with former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys labelling him 'Nout Workhorse' in another stinging attack on the Dutchman.
While he has received praise for his work rate in matches, Weghorst has struggled to score goals since joining on loan from Burnley in January.
In total, he has managed only two goals in 19 appearances for United, similar form to what he showed last season at Turf Moor, where he scored just twice in 20 games.
Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst claims Burnley were left unimpressed by the attitude of Weghorst, who joined the Lancashire club in a £12m move from Wolfsburg.
"They were not impressed with Weghorst at Turf Moor, where they say he spoke 'as though he was [Robert] Lewandowski'," wrote Luckhurst, who also revealed Burnley players' frustrations with Weghorst aerial ability.
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"A teammate at Burnley noticed Weghorst gets shorter when he jumps and United's wingers and full-backs demur whenever there is space to cross," added Luckhurst.
It now looks unlikely that United will attempt to sign Weghorst on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
United have been linked with several other strikers, with Tottenham forward Harry Kane and Napoli star Victor Osimhen believed to be at the top of their transfer list.