Erik ten Hag explains why Manchester United loaned out Wout Weghorst

Erik ten Hag has explained why Manchester United loaned out Wout Weghorst.

The move came as a surprise to many – particularly after the striker’s disappointing spell in England at Burnley.

However, the United head coach said he had “followed”. [Weghorst] through the leagues, which is why he took the plunge into signing.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has announced Wout Weghorst’s loan

Ahead of the Manchester derby, Ten Hag explained why he signed the forward: ‘He adds a type of striker that we don’t have at this moment and I’ve known him for a long time and have followed him through the leagues.’

Ten Hag continued: “He’s definitely a goalscorer, but also a guy who’s going to work for the team, who’s a really good pressing player on defence, so he can contribute [there] even.’

The 52-year-old coach then added that he believes Weghorst will surprise people with some of his qualities.

The United boss added: “He’s a boxer who can also play counterattacks. You won’t always expect it when you see his profile, but he’s a really good counterattacker. I’ve seen a lot of goals, especially in the Bundesliga where there’s a lot of counterattacking and he was really effective.”

Ten Hag added that the Netherlands forward wasn’t included in the squad just because of his footballing skills.

Weghorst previously had a disappointing six-month spell in the Premier League with Burnley

According to the United manager, Weghorst will bring a winning mentality to the dressing room.

Ten Hag said: “I never just look at a player and his technical ability, I look at the personality, the whole person, and I think he will add to that winning mentality.”

Weghorst has to wait for his United debut but wants to hit the ground running.

United fans are hoping the forward can make a good contribution to the side’s race for a place in the Champions League.

Weghorst impressed for Holland at the World Cup – scoring a late brace against Argentina