Why did Ten Hag constantly let Weghorst start?
Weghorst is owned by Burnley, but has been playing for Turkish club Besiktas since July 2022 on a one-year loan deal. The unremarkable past made the Dutch striker unappreciated when Man Utd spent $ 3.6 million to borrow him in January 2023 on a six-month contract.
But since then, Weghorst has started all of the "Reds" matches in all competitions, including three knockout matches in the Europa League, seven in the Premier League, two in the FA Cup and three in the Cup. League. The 1m97-tall striker was only absent from the 2-1 win over Man City on January 14 because Man Utd could not fill his name in the registration list.
In the press conference before the match against Southampton in the 26th round of the Premier League, Ten Hag said "Weghorst has recovered very well and has a strong physical foundation to play many matches". The Dutch coach also praised the compatriot striker "playing well in both the position of a central striker and an attacking midfielder".
Weghorst has a forte as a striker, but has been repeatedly pulled down by Ten Hag to the number 10 position this season. In particular, he did a good job in the two Europa League play-offs against Barca, when Man Utd drew 2-2 at Camp Nou and then won 2-1 at Old Trafford.
When asked about Weghorst's new role, Ten Hag replied: "I think Weghorst plays smart in every position and is excellent at predicting situations. In that position, he does a good job connecting the lines. and penetrate the penalty area to receive crosses. In many other parts, including defense, Weghorst also did well."
Weghorst's first two goals came away, when Man Utd beat Leeds 2-0 in the Premier League and Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the semi-finals of the League Cup. It was not until the 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 on the evening of March 9 that the Dutch striker scored his first goal at Old Trafford. After scoring, he slid to the corner flagpole, bursting into tears at the joy of his teammates and fans.
According to Ten Hag, Weghorst displayed great character and quality, but missed many opportunities and should have scored earlier against Betis. "However, Weghorst still focused, tried and chose the right position. In the end, he received the reward of a goal," the 53-year-old coach added about the student.
However, Ten Hag also admitted that Weghorst was in a row in the main kick, partly because Martial took a long-term break. The French striker has suffered two consecutive injuries and has not played for Man Utd since the victory against Man City at the beginning of the year. Ten Hag said the club will be cautious even though Martial has returned to training. He is likely to continue to miss the match against the penultimate club Southampton.
