Wout Weghorst, the Dutch striker signed by Manchester United on a six-month loan from Burnley, has had a slow start at Old Trafford with just two goals to his name so far.
The question now arises whether the Red Devils should keep him beyond his initial loan spell, despite his lacklustre goal-scoring form.
In this article, we will argue why Man United should give the 30-year-old a chance to prove his worth and why he could be an asset to the club in the long run.
Not enough time just yet
It's important to note that Weghorst has been playing in the Premier League for just a few months. Adjusting to a new league and finding your feet in a new team can take time, especially for players coming from a different country. It is not uncommon for players to take a few months to find their form when playing in a new league. Thus, Weghorst could still flourish after a few more games and prove to be an effective striker for Man United.
It's not all about goals
Weghorst's game is not only about goals, his physical presence and ability to hold up the ball can also add a different dimension to Man United's attacking play. His height and strength can be utilised for set-pieces, corners and crosses, which could be a valuable asset to the team, especially when playing against teams with a strong defence. Moreover, his work rate off the ball and his ability to press the opposition defenders could create opportunities for his teammates to score.
Wider context
It is worth considering the wider context of Man United's team. In the last few years, the team has struggled to find a consistent goal scorer, and with the current squad's midfield and attacking options, Weghorst could be a useful player in the long run. Given his experience in the German Bundesliga and the Dutch Eredivisie, he has gained a set of skills that could integrate well with the current Man United team. Furthermore, his good understanding of the tactics, playstyle and formations used in the top leagues could be a valuable asset for younger players in the team.
Consider the big picture
Finally, it might be worth noting that Weghorst's lack of goals could not be entirely attributed to his own performance, but rather a reflection of other factors that impact goal-scoring performance, such as service from teammates, playing time, and opportunities to play in his preferred position. These factors could be alleviated with continuous support and time on the field.
Conclusion
Despite his slow start for Man United, there are reasons to believe that Weghorst could be a valuable asset to the club beyond his six-month loan spell. He could offer a physical presence and a different attacking dimension to the team, add his experience to the team, understand the tactics of the top European leagues, and given more playing time he could start scoring goals. Therefore, Man United should give him the opportunity to prove himself in the team beyond his initial loan spell.
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