Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Steven Railston

Erik ten Hag must scrap his surprise Manchester United experiment

Erik ten Hag briefly confused Manchester United's away support and journalists in the press box at Elland Road in February.

With the scoreline 0-0 against Leeds, he moved Wout Weghorst, who had started as a striker, to attacking midfield, which meant Marcus Rashford played down the middle, Bruno Fernandes was on the right and Alejandro Garnacho was on the left.

It was bizarre seeing Weghorst playing as a No.10 but it worked. The deadlock was broken through Rashford in the 80th minute and the game was killed off shortly after when Garnacho burst down the left to rifle a shot past Illan Meslier.

ALSO READ: Manchester United have two leaders who can save their season

The three points were secured and the idea of playing Weghorst in attacking midfield was vindicated. He's since played that role on multiple other occasions, but it's a damning indictment that he's been gradually distanced from the opposition's goal.

Weghorst is a striker who struggles to score. He's scored just two goals this season - both were rebounds - and that's the same tally he produced for Burnley during his other stint in the Premier League, suggesting that's around his level.

Although he was only ever going to be a stop-gap loan signing, he's failed to provide a threat in front of goal and it's understood the club are not planning to make a permanent offer for him this summer, which is hardly a surprise.

Weghorst has lacked quality, but he's not lacked commitment, to his credit. He candidly described his failure to score for the Netherlands in the last international break as 's***' , although the same expletive can't be used for his work rate.

The obvious problem is Manchester United need players of quality, not just players who work hard. Weghorst is a cut below the level required to represent the club and he probably didn't believe his agent when first informed of the interest.

When Weghorst plays as a striker, it seems like he's won a competition to play for United. It's therefore not a total shock that he's been tried in a different position, but for the sake of the team, it's best to revert back to the strongest XI for the run-in.

Ten Hag said about the loanee in March: "As a striker or No 10 in the midfield he's bringing a good performance. He has intelligence in positions because he's a good anticipator. I tell him to link up there and he gets in front of the goal when crosses are coming in."

However, Weghorst in attacking midfield means Fernandes plays in a deeper role or he's used on the wing. Fernandes has done his best in those roles, but he's objectively most effective when playing as a No.10, his natural and favoured position.

Ten Hag started Weghorst as a No.10 against West Ham and Fernandes was on the left wing. The latter was unable to have his usual influence over the contest and while Weghorst emerged with credit, it was because of his work rate again.

United have just four league matches remaining against Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham this season and with Liverpool breathing down their necks, it's not the time to continue experimenting with Weghorst in attacking midfield.

Fernandes is one of the most influential creative midfielders in the world and he must play in his best position. Weghorst started against West Ham for the first time since April 2 and it would be advisable to make that his final start.

Although Martial has not looked mobile in his last few appearances, the best attack on paper for the run-in still includes the Frenchman at centre-forward, Rashford on the left, Antony on the right and Fernnades in attacking midfield.

In years to come, Weghorst will be remembered in pub quizzes but not for his goalscoring prowess or quality.

It was typical of the Glazers to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with a pound shop striker on loan.

READ MORE:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.