Erik ten Hag praises Wout Weghorst and says Man United could keep him for next season

Erik ten Hag would like to keep Wout Weghorst at Old Trafford despite the loan striker scoring just two goals in 18 appearances.

Wijkhorst, who is registered with Championship leaders Burnley but played the first half of this season in Turkey with Besiktas, has only been on the losing side twice since arriving at Old Trafford and Ten Hag believes his contribution has been vital.

Of course (he can stay). Ten Hag said of his Dutch colleague: I think he does many elements really well.

“He does a really good job for us. He’s the leader of our press and links up really well. He makes good movements, makes room for others and is good with plays. He really contributes to this team.

Weghorst – who stands at 6ft 6in – has been derided for his lack of goals, with United star Paul Scholes saying of him: “You have a certain level of quality to play for Manchester United that just isn’t there”.

The Manchester United manager has claimed he would like to keep Wighurst next season

Weghorst has scored just two goals for United, but he is likely to make his ninth successive Premier League start against Newcastle on Sunday.

But United’s results have been impressive since his arrival in January with Ten Hag playing him in midfield as well as his natural position up front.

I think since the World Cup we have played 25 games and lost two. He’s played almost all the games, so it’s really part of the success,” added the United boss who is likely to give Wighurst his ninth consecutive Premier League start at Newcastle today (Sunday).

United should have Marcus Rashford after missing England duty with a strike, while Anthony Martial is set to return from injury to the bench.

The striker has only been on the losing side twice since arriving at Old Trafford in January