Why Weghorst can be key figure in Man Utd's attack

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 20.

Wout Weghorst (MUN)

Weghorst has been brought in on loan to offer Erik ten Hag a different tactical option for the remainder of 2022/23.

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Manchester United are in terrific form at the moment, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure did leave them light up front.

The Netherlands international is a hardworking target man, who will offer good hold-up play, an aerial presence and tremendous industry out of possession.

United’s other striker options have differing qualities, so Ten Hag will be thrilled to have his compatriot available for selection.

Pressing from the front

United have improved as a pressing unit this season, rising from 12th to eighth in the rankings for possession won inside the final third.

Over time Ten Hag will almost certainly work on making them even more hostile out of possession, but for now this aspect of their play is a work in progress.

During his time with Burnley last season, Weghorst was the most aggressive presser in the entire division, averaging 48.7 presses per 90 minutes, something United hope he will bring to their play.

Presses per 90 mins 2021/22

The 30-year-old is always on the move, in and out of possession.

When Ten Hag feels there is a vulnerability in the opposition when they play out from the back, or when he just needs to lift the tempo, he now has the ideal forward option at his disposal.

When you consider Bruno Fernandes (29.6 presses per match) has been United’s most proactive presser in 2022/23, it is clear to see the difference Weghorst can make.

Most presses 2022/23

Weghorst’s superb brace for his country against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-final was a snapshot of his talent United fans will be hoping to see more often.

The player arrives in confident form, having scored eight goals for Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas prior to his return to England.

With a non-penalty xG of 0.57 per 90 minutes, he was joint top of the Expected Goals standings in that division.

Seven of those eight goals were one-touch strikes, just as his two Premier League goals were for Burnley in 2021/22.

He is instinctive inside the box, happy to trust his technique with first-time efforts.

This confidence helps to make Weghorst an adaptable finisher, spreading his share of goals between headers and shots with both feet.

Weghorst's goal types 2022/23

Ten Hag’s side have scored three headed goals so far in the Premier League, way behind the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, who are both on 11.

Ronaldo, with six, has had more headed shots than anyone else at the club this term, so Weghorst’s arrival strengthens them significantly in that department.

His presence inside the box should encourage team-mates to flight more crosses into the penalty area and that can only help to add more variety to their attacking options.

Until now, only three top-flight rivals have had fewer headed shots than Man Utd this season.

Fewest headed shots 2022/23

With a disappointing eight per cent conversion rate, he may not have been prolific at Burnley (two goals in 17 starts), but Weghorst has potential to thrive off better quality service at Old Trafford.

Whether it is attacking crosses in the air, finding space inside the box, or making late runs to get on the end of through-balls, he can use his excellent movement in a variety of ways.

The addition of Weghorst is certain to give United's attack a fresh outlook.

Tomorrow: Clarke on Man City's defensive travails