Erik ten Hag underlined Wout Weghorst's importance to Manchester United after the forward scored his first goal at Old Trafford.
Weghorst has started every game - 15 in total – since joining United on loan in January, but his goal in Thursday's 4-1 win over Real Betis was only his second in that run.
Despite his lack of goals, Ten Hag praised Weghorst's contribution to United, in particular his link-up play, willingness to press opponents and availability for selection whenever needed. Contrast that with fellow United striker Anthony Martial, who has started just 15 games in all competitions in the last two years and last completed 90 minutes in the league January 2021.
Praising Weghorst, Ten Hag said: “He's physically capable of playing a lot of games. He's a very fit player and he recovers very well. I expected that he would play a lot, but obviously we have an injury with Martial, so that’s obvious that’s the main reason he’s playing every game from start to almost finish. Against Barcelona I think I took him off, but many other games he played [the full 90 minutes].”
Recruited to replace Cristiano Ronaldo following his acrimonious exit from United, Weghorst's relentless work-rate fits with Ten Hag's ethos and allows others around him to shine.
Despite standing at 6ft 6in, the 30-year-old Dutch international is more than a target man, possessing an ability to find clever positions, read the game and adapt to different roles.
At Barcelona last month, when Ten Hag wanted more control in midfield, Weghorst dropped deeper, thwarting Holland team-mate Frenkie de Jong and following his manager's tactical instructions effectively.
That was one of many performances from Weghorst that, while not headline-grabbing, have been key to United's impressive recent run, with the exception of the freak 7-0 defeat at Liverpool.
“I think he's doing well,” added Ten Hag. “Whether that's as a striker, a No.10 or in the midfield, he's bringing good performances. He has intelligence from positions and is a very good anticipator.
“I tell him to link up there, which he's also doing as a high striker, linking up and getting in front of the goal when crosses are coming in, and also the defending part he's very good at it.”
After his goal against Betis, which meant so much to him with his emotional celebration, Ten Hag said it was a deserved reward for his refusal to give up, even after a series of missed chances.
“I think, as you see, he's often in the right positions, then he fails, but he keeps going,” said Ten Hag. “So he shows great personality and character, not only in this game.
“He could have scored a goal early, but he keeps focused, keeps working, keeps putting himself in the right positions and finally he got his goal and his reward.”
Weghorst is set to start for the 16th game running against Southampton at Old Trafford tomorrow, with Martial still a hostage to injury, despite having returned to training.
