Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst believes that one of his key strengths aligns perfectly with Erik ten Hag’s philosophy.
Since taking charge of the Reds in the summer, Erik has instilled energy, urgency, and relentless pressing in his United side, not to mention togetherness, a will to win and a strong work ethic.
Ten Hag’s team are capable of hassling and harrying opponents from minute one, and that's why our latest recruit believes he will fit into Erik’s system seamlessly.
“I think that’s something that’s one of my strengths [pressing],”
he said, in his very first interview with club media since arriving on loan from Burnley until the end of the 2022/23 season.
“Especially without the ball, to put pressure on an opponent [and] be active.
“That’s something I am capable of and that’s also something in the way the trainer [Ten Hag] wants to play. He wants to play aggressive; he wants to go high on the pitch, try to recover the ball there, as quickly as possible, and I think I can help the team with that.”
During his time with Burnley in the Premier League, in the second half of last season, Wout was ranked as the best presser in the division.
Standing at 6ft 6in tall, neutrals may not necessarily associate such statistics with the Dutch striker. But Weghorst’s willingness to work for his team is evident. “I’m really looking forward to contributing and working together [with Ten Hag],
“ says the new man.
Wout could be in line for his Reds debut when United travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
PRESSES PER 90 MINUTES
Premier League 2021/2022
Wout Weghorst: 48.7
Leander Dendoncker: 48.5
Manuel Lanzini: 47.8
Pablo Fornals: 47.6
Sean Longstaff: 46.5
Dejan Kulusevski: 46.3
*Source: Opta