Wout Weghorst’s ambitions, playstyle & more: Every word from Manchester United’s new signing

Wout Weghorst has conducted his first interview following his loan move to Manchester United last week.

The Dutch forward was brought into Erik ten Hag’s side on a six-month deal to help with the forward line and could be making his first start against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

He was present for United’s derby day victory against Manchester City and is hoping to make an impact during his team at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Dutch striker has made it clear that he wants to succeed in the Premier League after an underwhelming spell with Burnley last term.

“For me, it [his time in the Premier League] was not done. It was not finished. It didn’t work out the first time as I hoped and I’m really hungry to show myself, to help the team.

“Of course, we are on a really good track now. The last couple of weeks, months actually, it’s going really positively here and I just want to contribute and give my best and give my all for the club and I try to be a part of the successful way we are going.

“Of course, I want to score goals here. I’m a striker and I think every striker knows it; you are living for scoring goals. That is definitely something I want to achieve here also. That’s also what I meant by being part of it and contributing. Of course, for me as a striker, at the end, it’s also all about goals.”

Wout then was asked about his shirt number choice of no.27: “Of course, I looked into the ones that are free or available. Two and seven will make nine, of course – a striker’s number. I had a feeling about it. Of course, when I came here, I heard about it was Alex [Telles]’s number, he got loaned out now. I first had to ask him if that was okay, so I said that was, for me, important and then, in the end, there was no problem so thanks to him also.”

Scoring goals isn’t the only thing that United’s new striker adds to the table, with his pressing from the front being top-level.

“I think that [pressing] is something that’s one of my strengths. Especially without the ball, to put pressure on an opponent [and] be active. That’s something I am capable of and that’s also something in the way the trainer [Ten Hag] wants to play.

“He [Ten Hag] wants to play aggressive; he wants to go high on the pitch, try to recover the ball there, as quickly as possible, and I think I can help the team with that.”

“I’m really looking forward to contributing and working together [with Ten Hag].”

The six foot six inches striker also spoke about settling into the squad and when he initially heard about the interest from The Reds.

“I know, of course, the Dutch, Donny [van de Beek] and Tyrell [Malacia]. For the rest, I didn’t know any guys even though I played against some of them. The reception that I received was really great and warm.

“The last week, when I heard about the interest from United, it was special. I’m proud everything is done now and I’m a United player. My agent called me actually for the first time [about United’s interest] and I was together with my girl, and she was a little bit shocked because she saw my face and I was like ‘oof’. So yeah, it was a special moment and that was really nice, of course.”

Then queried on ambitions during his time with the club, Weghorst provided an answer that fans will love: “Trophies, it’s quite easy. That’s also what the manager told me about — expectations are there. Also my role and, yeah, that’s also something I want to bring.”

Finally speaking on his new manager, the forward explained that he’s quickly understanding why Ten Hag is so highly rated.

“The players in the national team speaking always about him [Ten Hag]. The way he’s training, living football, living winning also. I knew him for quite longer but never worked like we are now. You can feel already why he’s been spoken about.”