Topics: Football, Manchester United, Netherlands, Wout Weghorst, Besiktas, Burnley, Transfers
Dutch legend Marco van Basten has told Manchester United to sign Luuk de Jong instead of Wout Weghorst.
United have been in dire need of a striker since the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo on the eve of the World Cup.
Indeed, Erik ten Hag only has the in-form Marcus Rashford and the injury-prone Anthony Martial capable of filling the No.9 birth for the Old Trafford side at present.
However, the United boss has to work under financial constraints to secure an attacker following the club’s massive summer outlay.
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In turn, United have sensationally been linked with 30-year-old striker Weghorst - a forward currently on loan in Turkey after making a minimal impact in the Premier League for Burnley.
The Netherlands international is currently plying his trade at Besiktas, where he has scored eight goals in 16 appearances.
United are currently in talks with both Burnley and Besiktas, with the Turkish giants looking for a compensation fee to end their loan deal with the player.
Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Van Basten admitted he was not convinced Weghorst would be the right fit for United.
The 58-year-old added that fellow Dutch forward De Jong, who Transfermarkt value at just €4million (£3.5million), would be a better option for the Old Trafford club.
Van Basten told Ziggo Sport via Metro: “I have my doubts.
“Take a look at Luuk de Jong. That is really a striker that you can play through the air. I don’t think Weghorst is very strong in that regard.
“He can score a header, but he is more of a boy who can do something with his enthusiasm and force.”
Van Basten also warned ten Hag of the dangers of signing too many players at United connected with Dutch football, insisting that the policy had caused problems at other clubs in the past.
Since arriving in the summer the United boss has already signed Netherlands international Tyrell Malacia, as well as former Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
The former AC Milan star said: “It can become dangerous if you have too many Dutch people and things are not going well.
“You also saw that at Barcelona, when they had five Dutch people. Then it will work against you. Ten Hag has to be careful with that.”
