Manchester United CONFIRM Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season

Manchester United have confirmed Wout Weghorst has completed his move to Old Trafford by the end of the season.

The Dutch striker was on loan to Besiktas from Burnley and United agreed compensation with the Turkish club to end that agreement.

United, who also fund all of Weghorst’s wages, have paid £2.6m to Burnley, who will hand £2.5m to Besiktas. There is no commitment for United to buy the 30-year-old at the end of the season.

Man United have signed Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season

The Dutchman said he was looking forward to playing under compatriot Erik ten Hag (left).

Manager Erik ten Hag confirmed the deal had not been completed in time for Friday’s midday deadline, which would have allowed Weghorst to play in Saturday’s midday Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

But the former Wolfsburg and AZ Alkmaar striker said he was looking forward to playing under compatriot Ten Hag for the remaining four months of the season.

“I feel privileged to join Manchester United,” said Weghorst, who has scored nine goals in 18 games for Besiktas and scored twice for Holland at the World Cup against eventual winners Argentina.

Weghorst has signed a short-term loan deal at Old Trafford until the end of the season

Weghorst has scored nine goals in 18 games for Besiktas after being loaned to Turkey from Burnley in January 2022

The 30-year-old is looking to bounce back in the Premier League after scoring just two goals in 20 games after joining Turf Moor in January 2022

“I’ve played against the club in the past and it’s a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to put on the famous red jersey. I’ve seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and I can’t wait to do my part to bring the team closer to their goals.

“Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give my all for the club while I’m here.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped bring me to this stage and now I look forward to meeting my new teammates and joining right away.”

United boss Erik ten Hag wanted to strengthen his attacking line in the current window

Despite Weghorst scoring just two goals in 20 games for Burnley after joining Turf Moor from Wolfsburg for £12million a year ago, United feel they are getting a proven international goalscorer, the 6ft tall Ten Hag 6 inches offers a different option than what he already has in his squad.

United’s director of football John Murtough said: “Wout has a consistent goal tally in several European leagues and his attributes will add another dimension to our squad for the rest of the season.

“We were also drawn to his strong personality and dedicated approach to football, which fits perfectly with the spirit that Erik is building in our squad. He has shown a great desire to join Manchester United and be part of what we want to achieve this season.

Weghorst also proved he can be an effective substitute after nearly ending Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream when the Netherlands faced Argentina in the quarter-finals