'I was sacrificed to help Man Utd stars excel

Wout Weghorst suggested that Erik ten Hag's tactics were to blame for his underwhelming goal tally at Manchester United.

The towering Dutchman, who stands at 6ft 6ins, made a surprise move to Old Trafford from Burnley in January 2023, after a short loan period at Besiktas, aiming to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo. Weghorst struggled to find the net, scoring just twice in his six months with the Red Devils, with neither goal coming in the Premier League.

Despite this, he did taste silverware success, lifting the Carabao Cup and setting up Marcus Rashford in the final against Newcastle. Although he bagged his sole major trophy at United, Weghorst has now admitted that his goal drought was a result of Ten Hag's strategy, indicating he was often used more as a decoy to enhance the performance of his team-mates.

"They were super successful months in which we hardly lost," Weghorst said in December. "I was also very important for the team as both a focal point of play and the hard-working link between midfield and attack.

"Only my goals were lagging behind. That gnawed at me and was the reason why I lost my starting place. The Premier League is by far the toughest league in the world, with the best defenders. But we were rarely the dominant side creating chances. And the way we played was also different from what I was used to.

"In Germany and Turkey, the teams always played for me. I was the end of the line, while at United, I mainly had to ensure that others could excel. I think I managed that very well. But whichever way you look at it, I would have liked to score much more often."

Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images.) Visionhaus/Getty Images.)

Weghorst also spoke candidly about turning down a highly lucrative offer from Besiktas after a successful loan stint. He also recalled the moment he learned of United's interest following his impressive performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, reports the Manchester Evening News.

"Things went very well at Besiktas and I was enjoying myself immensely there," the marksman said. "One evening my agent Simon Cziommer called me. Simon said 'there are two clubs interested in you. First he told me a story about Brentford - and then he suddenly shouted 'Wout, United want you! 'I dropped the phone and burst into tears.

"My relationship with Besiktas' sporting director was very good and I explained to him that it was my boyhood dream to play for Manchester United. He said he understood, but Besiktas kept coming up with more and more financial offers. I won't mention any amounts, but believe me when I say that I lost a lot to make the transfer possible."

The Dutch striker also recounted the overwhelming emotions he felt during his first visit to Old Trafford, saying: "I entered that magical stadium for the first time in my life and when I sat down in my seat, looked around and took in the chanting of the fans, it hit me hard.

"That was the moment when I realised this is my club now. Then I watched one of the greatest football matches on earth. Of course I had dreamed about this as a young boy. But to see it actually happen made me shiver."

Despite playing 31 times for United, Weghorst described his tenure at the club as bittersweet. He added: "There was zero adjustment time. The pressure was bizarre and the physical strain greater than I had ever experienced.

"Only in the last few months did I feel I was really comfortable in it. Then I became myself and dared to throw off the shyness. In the period before that, maybe I was too humble. But I will never forget my goal at Old Trafford against Real Betis. The fans were super crazy about me because they also saw that I was doing everything for it. I'm quite proud that I got this far."

Upon his departure from United in the summer of 2023, Weghorst expressed his gratitude towards the club and its supporters. Alongside a video montage of his time with the Red Devils, he said: "Dear Man United fans, thanks for everything. I really enjoyed every single second at this club, from winning silverware to scoring my first goal against Betis at Old Trafford.

"Dreams came true. Unbelievably proud to wear the badge. I wish you all the best for the future. Man United fans, thank you very much."

Weghorst has since returned to his native Netherlands to play for Ajax, following a loan spell at German side Hoffenheim.

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