Wout Weghorst's long-term future at Manchester United hangs in the balance, and Erik ten Hag's comments about his striker choice in the Europa League don't bode well for the loanee.
Dutch striker Weghorst joined on loan from Burnley in January, and has been productive in United colours despite a less than impressive goal tally. Some expected him to start against Sevilla in the Europa League with fellow frontman Marcus Rashford injured, but instead it was Anthony Martial who got the nod.
United have yet to make a decision on whether to make their loan signings permanent, with Marcel Sabitzer also playing the waiting game. However, based on Ten Hag's comments about Martial's inclusion, things don't look especially positive for Weghorst.
"I think he’s ready," Ten Hag told BT Sport before the game when asked about Martial. "He’s ready to play, he had two or three games to come in, rehab really carefully, we plan it. I think already he could have started against Everton so now I think it’s natural to play Anthony.
He also denied suggestions it was a risk to start the Frenchman. "Risky - have you seen the last five seasons here in Old Trafford?" he said.
"I just so hope for him that he stays fit and he gets some games in a row because he needs that for his confidence, for his belief, that he can kick. Everyone knows that when he is on the pitch he will score, he will link up, he will do a job also in the pressing so he’s really important for us, but yes, keep fit. When he is fit he is massive for us."
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Weghorst himself admitted Martial's fitness concerned had helped him rack up minutes. The 30-year-old has made 20 appearances since his January move, though he only has two goals in that time.
He came on for the final half-hour against Sevilla, with Martial making way as part of a triple substitution. He almost set up Tyrell Malacia for a game-sealing goal, but instead Sevilla found a way back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.
The game turned in the visitors' favour after Martial went off. It would not be a surprise to see the Frenchman keep his place next week, with Weghorst failing to stake a real claim.
"All Ten Hag said was that he needed a striker who could fit into his way of playing," the former Besiktas loanee said in March. "He certainly did not paint the picture as it is now. Anthony Martial was his striker and he was doing fine - but he is injury-prone and the manager wanted all positions double-staffed.
“That's what I came for. But Ten Hag did say clearly ‘It is up to you. You can force things and the best one plays.’ My dream has always been to get the most out of my career. To tap my ceiling. It makes me incredibly proud and happy.”
Weghorst's longer-term future may also depend on whether United dip into the transfer market for a marquee name up front. Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen have both been linked with moves, though no deal for either is in place at this stage.
