Erik ten Hag addresses Wout Weghorst signing ahead of Manchester United’s derby day vs City

Erik ten Hag has addressed the incoming loan signing of Burnley’s Wout Weghorst, but confirms the striker will not be available for the weekend’s game against Manchester City.

The United boss has not been shy when discussing the club’s needs in this transfer window: a striker. And he’s finally got his man, but slightly too late ahead of derby day.

When asked about completing the deal on Friday, Ten Hag said: “We are close, but he will not be available for tomorrow.”

The Dutch forward was seen leaving Istanbul on Thursday afternoon, but has missed the 12:00pm deadline on Friday to be registered in time for City’s Old Trafford visit in the Premier League.

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This is a blow, with Anthony Martial’s availability also unsure, after the Frenchman was rested in United’s last fixture against Charlton Athletic.

“He trained this morning, so we have to wait to see how he recovers,” said Ten Hag. “It will be decided tomorrow morning.”

When asked if the shortage up front will be a problem, the United manager was clear in his belief that the team can work without the new signing and their no.9.

“Weghorst wasn’t even available in the last weeks, it would be a bonus if he was. We have won a lot of games without Anthony Martial.”