Patrice Evra understands why Manchester United’s bid for Wout Weghorst. The former Red Devils left back believes Weghorst is the ideal player to relieve the rest of the team in stages of a game when United are under pressure.
Evra notices that Erik ten Hag attaches great importance to controlling matches, but that his team is not yet able to dominate for ninety minutes. Weghorst has an important role to play in countering pressure from the opponent, the Frenchman thinks. “He’s not just a goalscorer. It is clear that Ten Hag wants to have more control over the matches. United’s problem at the moment is that they are unable to control games for 90 minutes.
“Players like Weghorst ensure that you can catch your breath when you are under pressure. If you play him through the air, he will keep the ball or give an assist. Both tactically and technically I see him as a very interesting player for United,” Evra told Betfair. “But let’s wait for him to wear a United shirt first. As a foreign player you will always be judged on your performance in the Premier League.” Evra recalls that he too had to prove himself after his arrival in 2006, although he had already played a Champions League final with AS Monaco and had experience with the France national team.
Comparisions to Olivier Giroud
“We’ve seen players seem to be on their way to United before, so we have to be careful, but he’s a good player,” Evra said of Weghorst. As a player he reminds me a bit of Olivier Giroud and that’s a good sign. He plays with his back to goal, has a lot of stamina, is physically strong and can hold a ball. He knows exactly how to play in the corner of the attack. Players like Marcus Rashford and the rest of the team would love to work with someone like that.’
“Just like with Giroud, you can just play him and then make a run behind him yourself. He is good at finishing chances, he can do that with both feet. He is also strong in the air. I see that kind of striker succeeding at United,” concludes Evra. According to the most recent report by journalist Fabrizio Romano, all papers have been signed by United, Besiktas and Burnley, so that only the medical examination stands in the way of Weghorst’s transfer. United have reportedly paid Besiktas €3 million for the early termination of Weghorst’s loan spell at that club and will now hire him from Burnley for half a season.
