23 July 2023 , 15:26
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Wout Weghorst endured a nightmare cameo for Burnley after he was booed by his own supporters during their pre-season friendly against Genk.
The 30-year-old, who returned to the Clarets earlier this month following his six-month loan spell at Manchester United, is eager to impress boss Vincent Kompany in pre-season. Weghorst made his first appearance since being back at the club during their 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on July 14.
Eight days later, Weghorst also featured for Burnley in their 2-0 defeat against Belgian side Genk. However, as Weghorst entered the field at the Cegeka Arena, he received a chorus of boos from the travelling Clarets, while others also allegedly chanted "w*****" at the Netherlands international.
Weghorst failed to impress as Genk, who were leading 1-0 at the time of his arrival onto the pitch, scored another late on to condemn Burnley to their first defeat of pre-season. But Weghorst's reception caught the attention of many on social media, with several Burnley supporters giving their verdict.
Tom Whittaker, who is an analyst for Burnley fan channel No Nay Never, said: "Weghorst came on and there was booing and some derogatory chants in the away end. But there was also some applause and people trying to drown out the boos. It was a mixed reception. I think from what we've seen online, there's a lot of mixed opinions."
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Weghorst returned to Burnley off the back of a mixed loan spell at United, where he impressed despite not scoring as many goals as he may have hoped. The former Wolfsburg striker scored twice in 31 appearances for the Red Devils during his time at the club.
Wout Weghorst struggled for goals at Manchester United (Getty Images)But Weghorst will be remembered for the role he played in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle at Wembley. He grabbed the assist for Marcus Rashford's strike as Erik ten Hag won his first piece of silverware in charge of the Red Devils.
Ten Hag often had positive things to say about Weghorst. Speaking about him in March, the United boss said: "He is often in the right position, then he fails [to score], but he keeps going. He showed great personality and character [and] not only in this game.
"I think also in this game he could have already [scored] his goal, early on, but he keeps focused, he keeps working and he keeps putting himself in the right positions and finally he got his goal and his reward."
Weghorst had been linked with a move away from Burnley this summer - but now appears to be staying put as the Clarets return to the Premier League. Kompany's men face Manchester City on the opening weekend.