Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Wout Weghorst will not be available to make his debut against Manchester City on Saturday....CONTINUE READING
The Red Devils host their neighbourhood rivals in the day’s early kick-off, and United had initially hoped to register the Dutch striker – who is joining on loan from Burnley until the end of the season – in time to be part of Ten Hag’s matchday squad.
Manchester United have been impressive ever since the World Cup in Qatar, winning all six of their matches. Burnley, Everton and Charlton have been overcome in the cup competitions, while the Red Devils have seen off Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth in the top flight.
Should United beat City, they’ll move to within just a point of their rivals as they look to qualify for next season’s Champions League. That was something that seemed impossible when they lost 6-3 at the Etihad back in October.
Weghorst is thought to have signed his contract at the club but United are still to announce his arrival. Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Manchester derby, ten Hag confirmed a deal is almost done but not in time for him to be registered for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
‘We are close, he will not be available for tomorrow,’ ten Hag said. The Netherlands international is poised to become United’s second signing of the January transfer window after Jack Butland, coming in to provide a temporary solution to United’s striker shortage.
