"If the club wants to keep me..." - Wout Weghorst makes blunt Man Utd contract demand

Wout Weghorst has made a blunt Manchester United contract demand.

The forward joined United on loan in January as a short-term Cristiano Ronaldo replacement and went on to make 17 consecutive appearances for the club.

However, he has been a much-derided figure while leading the line for the Old Trafford club, having netted just twice in his 27 appearances in all competitions.

However, Weghorst is hopeful he has a future at United.

Indeed, Erik ten Hag suggested last month that the club would be open to keeping the Netherlands international beyond his loan, and Weghorst has since explained that talks with his representatives and United have been positive.

Weghorst's contract demand

Weghorst wants reassurance over his role in the team moving forwards.

Indeed, Anthony Martial’s return to fitness has meant the striker has started just one o the last seven in the Premier League.

The striker explained: “I’m a guy who likes to play football.

“When your appearances are reduced, as has been the case lately, you realise what you are missing.

“If the club wants to keep me, I’ll have to know what role they have in mind for me.”

Whether Weghorst would get such assurances is uncertain, given United’s expected pursuit of Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in the summer.

The Burnley loanee insisted, however, that conversations over his future were progressing well.

“In those [talks] the club said they are very satisfied with me. It has absolutely not been communicated with me that Man United don’t want to continue with me,” Weghorst told The Times after United’s defeat by West Ham United on Sunday.

“They appreciate my value. They believe I am absolutely an asset to the team.

“Of course, I have heard different things [in the media]. I have to wait and see what happens and focus on our goals in the league and cup competitions.’”