SOCCER
Will Wout Weghorst play in Manchester United’s Premier League game against Manchester City?
Dutch striker Wout Weghorst has officially completed his loan move to Premier League giants Manchester United before the Manchester derby.
It’s been in the post for quite a few days but it took Manchester United until 9pm UK time (4pm ET) on Friday, the eve of their Premier League game against Manchester City (which you can follow live on AS USA), to complete the loan signing of striker Wout Weghorst from Burnley. The Netherlands international had been on a season-long loan to Turkish club Besiktas but a deal has been agreed which allows him to make the switch to Old Trafford. Weghorst, who scored nine goals in 18 games in Turkey, will spend the rest of the campaign at United, who will cover 100% of his wages and have no obligation or option to buy the player.
What did Wout Weghorst say about joining Manchester United?
“I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United.”
“I’ve played against the club in the past and it’s a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt. I’ve seen United’s progress under Erik Ten Hag this season and can’t wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims.”
“Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here.”
“I thank everyone who has played a part in getting me to this stage, and now I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting involved straight away.”
Will Wout Weghorst play for Manchester United against Manchester City on Saturday?
But will Wout Weghorst be involved “straight away”? No, is the answer.
The Dutchman, who hit the headlines in the World Cup after scoring twice for the Netherlands against Argentina in the quarter-finals, isn’t eligible to play in the derby against Manchester City as United missed the 12pm UK time (7am ET) deadline to register him for Saturday’s game. He’s likely to make his debut for the Red Devils in Wednesday’s match away to Crystal Palace.
When asked about Weghorst’s availability, manager Erik Ten Hag confirmed the striker wouldn’t play but insisted his team have been doing just fine with the players currently at his disposal: “Weghorst wasn’t available in the last weeks, so it would be a bonus if he was [able to face City]. I hope soon he will be there. But also we have had a month of winning a lot of games without Anthony Martial too.”