‘He doesn’t deserve to play!’: Ex-Man Utd striker slams Weghorst after Liverpool loss

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 6 Mar 2023 20:03 GMT
• 2 min read

Wout Weghorst has been called out for his performances after another goalless display in Manchester United’s humiliating 7-0 loss to Liverpool.

The Dutchman has scored just one goal in his 14 appearances since signing on loan from Burnley in January and, while he has been praised for his workrate, ex-United striker Louis Saha claims Weghorst has not shown enough to warrant his gametime.

“I am frustrated with him because I played in that position for many years,” Saha told compare.bet. “His performances haven’t been good enough and he doesn’t deserve to be starting in every game.

CRUCIAL: Ten Hag on Weghorst's importance to United

“Yes they won the League Cup and have been winning games but, in some crucial moments, you need to keep the ball and he doesn’t do it, he doesn’t win all of his headers.

“He does work hard but that isn’t enough. Just because the team is winning doesn’t mean you can’t make changes and that the formation and lineup is good for every fixture.

“He’s been given a lot of opportunities to prove himself and he hasn’t taken that chance. I don’t think he’s very effective at pressing high up the pitch.

“I understand why he’s in the team as he’s the focal point and he provides stability for the team, but I think that’s not good enough. It doesn’t mean he can’t make it and improve, but from what I’ve seen from him so far, he needs to be better.”

’One bad result should not derail United’s season’ – Saha

United have relied on Marcus Rashford for the bulk of their goals this season, with the England international netting 14 times in the league compared to their next highest scorer in Bruno Fernandes with five.

A striker is believed to be top of the club’s shopping list this summer and the likes of Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane and Benjamin Sesko are likely to be targets.

REVEALED: Man Utd's striker shortlist this summer

However, the demolishing by Liverpool has halted the momentum which had seen them lift the EFL Cup last week and had previously been on a run of just two losses in their last 32 games before the humbling at Anfield.

In spite of the defeat, Saha insists United just came up against a strong team in good form and ‘one bad result’ should not deter the club from a positive season.

“I don’t think this game will derail the season,” Saha said. “It was just one game and United know they have better quality than that game.

“They have set a good foundation and that is why they have gone on a good run, won a cup and played so well recently. That’s why I think it’s just one bad result.”