Man Utd warned they should sign Wout Weghorst alternative as doubts emerge

10 January 2023 , 18:27

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Marco van Basten is not in favour of Wout Weghorst's proposed move to Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Marco van Basten has told Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to avoid signing Wout Weghorst in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are reportedly in talks to sign Weghorst, 30, on loan until the end of the season. The Dutch forward is currently on loan at Turkish side Besiktas from Championship outfit Burnley, but that temporary deal could be cancelled to allow him to join United.

Although Ten Hag is edging closer to bringing Weghorst to Old Trafford, Dutch legend Van Basten has urged the United manager to pull out of talks. The three-time Ballon d'Or winner believes Ten Hag should try to sign Luuk de Jong from PSV Eindhoven instead.

"I have my doubts," Van Basten told Ziggo Sport when asked about Weghorst's proposed move to United. The Ajax and AC Milan icon then sang the praises of De Jong, 32, who has previously spent time on loan at Newcastle and Barcelona.

Van Basten added: "Take a look at Luuk de Jong. That is really a striker that you can play through the air. I don’t think Weghorst is very strong in that regard. He can score a header, but he is more of a boy who can do something with his enthusiasm and force."

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United are on the hunt for a new forward after terminating Cristiano Ronaldo's contract by mutual consent in November. The Portugal international, 37, criticised Ten Hag, United's owners the Glazers and several club heroes in an interview with Piers Morgan.

Wout Weghorst could join Manchester United in January (Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images)

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Ronaldo has since signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Nassr, thought to be worth a whopping £173million per year. It's believed the Red Devils don't want to bring in a new long-term striker in January but will try to complete a short-term loan deal.

Several names have been muted, yet it appears Weghorst is the favourite to land a dream move to Old Trafford. The Dutchman famously scored twice in his country's quarter-final defeat to eventual winners Argentina at the recent World Cup in Qatar.

Weghorst has also scored nine goals for Besiktas this season. His recent form suggests he's in good nick, although his spell at Burnley will alarm United fans. The 6ft 6in striker scored just two Premier League goals last season, as Burnley suffered relegation.

Van Basten isn't the only Dutch legend to question Weghorst's proposed move to Old Trafford. Wesley Sneijder has labelled it a "stunt" and says the rumours are "very strange".

Weghorst was spotted emotionally waving to Besiktas supporters during their league game against Kasimpasa on Saturday, which suggests he is set to leave the Turkish side. Rumours suggest he is willing to pay a compensation fee to Besiktas - out of his own pocket - to force a move to Old Trafford, such is his desire to play for Ten Hag's side.

Weghorst's reported desire to sign for United is understandable. There's every chance he could become Ronaldo's permanent successor if he hits the ground running in Manchester.

Tom Blow