Man Utd to hand Wout Weghorst debut in derby against City this weekend after striker completes loan transfer in time
MANCHESTER UNITED look set to name Wout Weghorst in their squad for the derby with City tomorrow as they close in on finalising his deal.
The Dutch international striker, 30, has been on loan at Besiktas from Championship Burnley since the start of the season.
But the Red Devils will pay around £2.65million compensation to the Turkish club to secure his services until the end of the season.
United are desperate to secure a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after axing the Portuguese veteran in November.
We reported yesterday how Weghorst has collected his things and said his goodbyes at Besiktas prior to flying to England to undergo a medical at Old Trafford.
He is due at their Carrington training HQ this morning to wrap-up the move before midday so that he can be registered in time to face Man City.
And now the Evening Standard are claiming United are planning on handing him a debut in the crunch clash at the Theatre of Dreams.
Erik ten Hag is likely to remain with the red-hot Marcus Rashford out on the left and Antony on the right of the attack after the Brazilian’s goals against both Everton and Charlton.
Even though they are confident that Weghorst will be on-board, Anthony Martial is still expected to lead the line as the main centre-forward.
But with his recent struggles in front of goal, it seems almost certain that Weghorst will be thrown straight in the deep end and given the opportunity to become an instant hero off the bench.
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He first arrived in English football 12 months ago, signing for Burnley as a replacement for Newcastle-bound Chris Wood.
His move didn’t go to plan, however, as he scored just two goals in 20 Premier League appearances as the Clarets were relegated.
He has since been in fine form after moving to Besiktas, netting nine goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish side.
Weghorst scored against Kasimpasa in his final appearance for Besiktas last Saturday.