Manchester United's striker and Burnley loanee has revealed the instructions given to him by the team's manager Erik Ten Hag as he starred in a surprising role in the midfield.
Erik Ten Hag first played the 30-year-old striker in the deep role during the Red Devils' 2-0 win against Leeds United at Elland Road in last Sunday's Premier League clash. It worked greatly as Wout Weghorst's ball-holding ability helped United attackers get into better positions to receive the ball in the opponent's half.
The manager repeated this again when his side lined up against Barcelona at the Spotify Nou Camp stadium during their first leg of the knockout phase tie.
Erik ten Hag reportedly told Manchester United's Wout Weghorst to "be annoying" while he prepped in an unusual midfield position for Thursday's 2-2 draw against Barcelona.
The towering Dutchman was unexpectedly featured behind Marcus Rashford on Man United's squad list on Thursday, lining up as a "10" instead of being a traditional striker. Wout Weghorst was brought in as emergency striker cover for fitness-struggling Anthony Martial during the January transfer window.
Afterwards, Erik Ten Hag acknowledged that Weghorst's inclusion in the team was part of the manager's overall strategy to try to catch Barcelona.
Yet, Weghorst detailed what was expected of him prior to the game from his perspective.
"This was a game at a high level," he told ESPN. "Last week, I got into that position for the first time during the match in the last half hour." "I think Ten Hag was satisfied because I heard that I would play in midfield."
"It is very important for [Barcelona] to shift the game; my job was to constantly get in their way and be annoying there so that they don’t get into their game and can play the way they like to do." And to be able to make my deep actions offensive from the second line, because they are vulnerable in that. "You saw that in the first half," he stated.
Manchester United's transfer target, Wout Weghorst's international teammate, and Barcelona's midfielder Frenkie De JongJong halfheartedly praised the 30-year-old for starring in the unfamiliar role and carrying out his duties diligently.
"And he did a good job," De Jong stated.
Wout Weghorst has made 10 appearances for the Red Devils since his arrival in January. He has made just 1 assist and scored once. He has however been greatly involved defensively and also showing his versatility to support the team.
There were stats also emerging showing how terrific the 30 year old has been for Manchester United he is amongst the top five most high pressing players in the Premier League according to SkySports.
The 30 year old is actually ahead of team mate Bruno Fernandes on the list.
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