Since joining United on loan in January, the Netherlands forward has scored twice in 18 outings.
Weghorst's underwhelming comeback has drawn harsh condemnation from a wide range of pundits, including Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes, who asserts that he lacks the skills required to represent United.
Peter Schmeichel, a former teammate of Scholes at Manchester United, concurs and has referred to Weghorst as the "odd one out" in Ten Hag's group.
The "worst player he's ever seen in a Manchester United jersey," according to Sky Sports commentator Richard Keys, who also asserts that Ten Hag's squad is essentially "playing with 10 men" with Weghorst on the field.
Erik Ten Hag has persisted in defending Weghorst despite the criticism from commentators and some fans, asserting that he contributes more than just goals to the squad.
Weghorst's tenure at Old Trafford has corresponded with a prosperous time for the team, which has won the EFL Cup and advanced to the FA Cup and Europa League semifinals.
Assessing his stint at Manchester United, Weghorst said during the international break: "I’ve played a lot of matches and it shows the trust in me. It also shows that I am doing a good job for the team."
"That was the thing I wanted when I came here – to contribute and try and help the club to be successful to win trophies."
"We have one now. We have two more to go with the Europa League and FA Cup, and we want to get as high as possible in the table and definitely top four for the Champions League."
"So it just shows me that I am being part of it. And being part of us being successful and that appreciation, that’s a good thing."
Wout Weghorst had a disappointing season at Burnley before joining Besiktas on a temporary basis in the summer and then transferring to Manchester United in January.
Despite not being particularly active in front of goal, the 30-year-old did assist United in winning their first prize since 2017 by defeating Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley.
"The match against Newcastle at Wembley was a great experience, a lovely atmosphere in the stadium, it has something special," Weghorst continued.
"We want to win trophies. The one we have now just showed us that we can do it again; we are all hungry for more, all of us."
On April 2, Manchester United will play top-four foe Newcastle United to open the 2022–23 season. Later in the month, they will play Sevilla in the Europa League quarterfinals and Brighton in the FA Cup semifinals.
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