Weghorst demands Man Utd guarantee ahead of potential permanent move

Cameron Smith

• 9 May 2023 08:48 BST
• 3 min read

Wout Weghorst has admitted that he will not join Manchester United on a permanent deal unless he is told what role he will be given at the club.

The 30-year-old is currently on loan at Old Trafford from Burnley, who recently sealed promotion back to the Premier League under the management of former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany.

Weghorst spent the first half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Besiktas before joining Erik ten Hag's side during the January transfer window.

READ: Liverpool hold key to Man Utd replacing David de Gea

The Dutchman has racked up 27 appearances for the Red Devils, but has only scored two goals and has recently found himself demoted to the bench following Anthony Martial's return to fitness.

Weghorst has started just two games from a possible 11 since the start of April and it's becoming increasingly unlikely that he signs for the club on a permanent deal this summer.

READ: Man Utd wonderkid admits he may leave this summer

What has Weghorst said?

Speaking to the media, Weghorst admitted: "I’m a guy who likes to play football. When your appearances are reduced, as has been the case lately, you realise what you are missing.

"If the club wants to keep me, I’ll have to know what role they have in mind for me."

Weghorst's contract at parent club Burnley isn't set to expire until 2025, meaning he could return to Turf Moor this summer and play a role in their first campaign back in the top flight.

As for Man Utd, they have been linked with several top forwards as Ten Hag looks to find the answer to their number nine crisis.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen have both been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, although it remains to be seen how costly the pair might be.

The aforementioned Martial is the only recognised senior striker on a permanent deal at Man Utd following Cristiano Ronaldo's midseason exit.