24 April 2023 , 11:43
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Wout Weghorst has split opinion after the Manchester United loanee ran solo towards the club's fans to celebrate on his own after their FA Cup semi-final.
The Red Devils eventually overcame Brighton after a goalless 120 minutes, securing a 7-6 win on penalties. Weghorst was among those to convert from the spot and when Victor Lindelof scored the crucial penalty, rather than run to David de Gea with his team-mates, he went in the opposite direction.
The shootout took place in front of the Brighton fans, but Weghorst opted to celebrate with those in red. The forward joined the club in January as they sought cover after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. He's largely been a regular despite his lack of goals, but his display of passion has been divisive.
Some have hailed his show of emotion, despite his uncertain future. One said: "Love his passion, brilliant to the see connection he feels with this fan base and embracing it even knowing potentially it’s only for another couple of months." Another added: "It is nice to see a player who is grateful for these moments."
Others however maintain that the Dutchman is not up to standard, with his demonstration not swaying them. "Love his passion, but sorry no further contract," claimed one fan, with another questioning: "Why does he never sprint so much while playing?"
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Weghorst had been on loan at Besiktas prior to his move to United. The striker was part of the Burnley side that went down from the Premier League last term and could head back to Turf Moor in the summer, although the Turkish outfit may welcome him back if a deal can be negotiated.
The striker himself has been open about his desire to remain in Manchester, but the club are far more likely to pursue a marquee No 9 with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen on their shortlist. Both men have been prolific and produced numbers Weghorst cannot match.
Erik ten Hag though has refused to rule out a long-term role for his compatriot in Manchester: “Wout is doing a really good job for us. He is the leader of the process in pressing, he starts the press and is very good in backward pressing. He is also taking up (good) positions and in his link-up play he's doing really well.
“He is making good movements, making space for others, so he's also good in set-plays. He is really contributing to this team. I think after Christmas we have played 25 games and we lost two - and Weghorst played almost all of the games so he is really part of the success.”