Former Old Trafford hero Ruud van Nistelrooy says he is 'convinced' that Wout Weghorst can make his loan move to Manchester United a success.
Erik ten Hag confirmed on Friday that the club were close to securing his signing although he would not be available for Saturday’s derby with Manchester City. The Burnley striker’s loan will cost £2.5m as his season-long stay at Besiktas ends early.
Weghorst, who scored twice in 20 Premier League outings for the Clarets last season, grabbed the headlines for his late brace for the Netherlands in their World Cup quarter-final against Argentina last month. His form for Besiktas has seen him score eight times in 16 Super Lig outings.
READ MORE: Update on Wout Weghorst Manchester United transfer
Fellow countryman and PSV boss Van Nistelrooy worked as an assistant for the Netherlands national team up until last year and got to see Weghorst’s qualities first hand. He is sure that the 6ft 6in striker can be a success as his former club for the remainder of the season.
“I think Wout has so much character and qualities that he will stand out there,” he said in Friday’s PSV press conference. “I experienced him at the national team.
“He’s just a champion of a guy, with an incredibly competitive character. We also saw that at the World Cup. Wout is ready for such a step, and he will make his contribution there. I am 100 per cent convinced of that. He has the qualities to make an impact at United.”
While Weghorst’s move will not be finalised in time for City on Saturday, there is doubt hanging over Anthony Martial’s availability. The Frenchman is nursing a leg injury and faces a late fitness test.
“Anthony Martial trained this morning, so we have to wait [to see] how he recovered from his training and that will be decided tomorrow,” Ten Hag said.
"It is a small thing in his leg so it will be better tomorrow or he will be available for Wednesday." Marcus Rashford could start as the leading attacker in his potential absence, although he has scored most of his 15 goals this season from the left wing.
Anthony Elanga played as a false nine in Tuesday’s 3-0 League Cup win over Charlton, lasting 84 minutes.
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