Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s bitter departure, it was clear that Manchester United needed reinforcements up front.
Manager Erik ten Hag has explained time and time again during press conferences that his current options are not suitable if United are to compete on all four fronts.
However, the exorbitant splurge of the summer and the possibility of the Glazers selling the club meant that finances are currently tight and the club can only seek loan deals in January.
Why did Weghorst explain
Despite being linked with a plethora of star names, his rise in ratings after the World Cup meant those goals stayed on the back burner for now.
Among the loan options, prominent names emerging as legitimate targets included Barcelona’s Memphis Depay, Burnley loan forward Wout Weghorst, Atlético Madrid attacker Joao Félix and AC Milan star Olivier Giroud.
Currently, it appears that Weghorst is close to sealing his exit from Besiktas with all three parties in talks.
And ESPN has gone into detail to explain why United’s Dutch manager chose to go after his compatriot when there were more glamorous options on the market.
Ten Hag wanted a more traditional 9, someone who could offer a different option to those already in the United ranks. And Weghorst fits that bill to the T.
Complications in the Italian tax system would have meant Olivier Giroud would face a significant tax bill if he left before the summer, ruling out the possibility of a short-term contract at Old Trafford.(@MarkOgden_) #mufc ???? pic. twitter.com/EEjkfX98l3
— United Watch ???? (@TheUtdwatch) January 9, 2023
The 30-year-old is also no slouch when it comes to scoring. He has nine goals and four assists in 18 games, one of the main reasons Besiktas were so reluctant to let him go.
And Mark Ogden has specified in his report that the other options linked to United were “outcasts who don’t play, strikers who have been injured or those who simply aren’t good enough.”
Depay has hardly played while Félix has not lived up to his potential at Atlético.
Other loan options like Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, despite his good form this season and Vincent Aboubakar are nowhere near the level required at Old Trafford.
United’s criteria included injury history and length of contract
Interestingly, the report also adds that United want to start with a clean slate next season and therefore were unwilling to offer any player a long-term deal.
“Another problem is that many players will only discuss a move if it involves a contract of no less than 18 months, which would guarantee a deal at Old Trafford until June 2024.
“Sources said United have ruled him out because they want a clean slate at the end of the season. That means there is no obligation to pay a striker who won’t play for another 12 months.”
In Giroud’s case, “complications in the Italian tax system would have meant the French international faced a significant tax bill if he left before the summer, ruling out the possibility of a short-term deal at Old Trafford.”
As previously mentioned on The Peoples Person, the Red Devils have identified Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Harry Kane as top summer targets ahead of next season.
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