Former Ireland international Damien Delaney joined Joe Molloy on The Football Show to discuss Wout Weghorst and Manchester United.
Wout Weghorst is 30 years old. Weghorst played 20 games for Burnley in 2022 and scored two goals. He was then loaned to Besiktas, where he's found more success. Weghorst has scored eight goals in 16 games for Besiktas, but he also had a big moment during the World Cup for Holland.
The striker scored two goals in a loss against Argentina.
Although there is no doubt that Weghorst offers more than just his goals, it's hard to fathom that Manchester United are attempting to sign the Burnley reject. Weghorst has played most of his career in relative anonymity. He peaked for a moment at the World Cup, but you can't take that game and project it as a turning point.
He's 30. He's not 21.
Yet, Manchester United are interested in him as the immediate replacement for the departed Cristiano Ronaldo. Replacing old Ronaldo isn't the same as replacing prime Ronaldo, but even taking that into account this is not an aspirational move from the club.
Damien Delaney doesn't want anyone to fall for the spin on Weghorst and Manchester United.
"When he went to Burnley, you'd have thought that he'd fit in well there," Delaney said.
"He's not very good at linking the play, he's not going to run in behind, he's not going to bully centre halves. He's got a particular skill set. And that is he's obviously 6'6", he can head a ball, he can finish if you get him in the right areas. But he's not mobile, he's not going to work a back four.
"Are Manchester United going to lump crosses in the box for him from everywhere?
"It just smacks of Manchester United again promising a Joao Felix and then we get a Wout Weghorst. And then the Man United PR, spin machine goes into overdrive. The twitter accounts are out selling this guy as if this is a really good thing. Like Ighalo.
"I remember when Odion Ighalo signed I remember thinking 'Really?' Then I actually found myself [thinking] because of the spin that goes into it that this was a good signing and it's not."
The only positive for Manchester United is that this is a loan deal and not a new signing. With the club up for sale, transfers might be few and far between at Old Trafford this window.
Arteta must change his behaviour - John Giles.
Football on Off The Ball brought to you by Sky. All the football you love in one place across Sky Sports, BT Sport & Premier Sports.
