Sports • 23 November 2025

I dropped the phone and cried when Man Utd wanted me - but I know why it didn't work out

A Manchester United target was left in tears when he found out about their interest.

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United helps Wout Weghorst to his feet.

Former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst has revealed the truth behind his disappointing spell at the club, pointing the finger at Erik ten Hag's tactical approach as the reason for his struggles at Old Trafford. United's capture of the towering 6ft 6in forward from Burnley on loan in January 2023 stunned the Premier League.

Following a brief but impressive stint with Turkish outfit Besiktas, Weghorst linked up with compatriot Ten Hag at United as they desperately sought to fill the massive void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's exit. The Dutchman displayed tremendous commitment whenever he pulled on the United shirt, but ultimately netted merely two goals in 31 outings across all competitions during his half-year stint, drawing a blank in league action.

He did, nevertheless, win the Carabao Cup that season and provided the assist for Marcus Rashford in the final triumph over Newcastle.

That represented the sole major silverware of the 33-year-old's career.

However, Weghorst has now spoken candidly about his goal drought, insisting he was deployed as a support player to bring out the best in teammates and pointing to Ten Hag's system as the culprit.

"They were super successful months in which we hardly lost," Weghorst revealed.

"I was also very important for the team as both a focal point of play and the hard-working link between midfield and attack.

"Only my goals were lagging behind. That gnawed at me and was the reason why I lost my starting place. The Premier League is by far the toughest league in the world, with the best defenders. But we were rarely the dominant side creating chances. And the way we played was also different from what I was used to.

"In Germany and Turkey, the teams always played for me. I was the end of the line, while at United, I mainly had to ensure that others could excel. I think I managed that very well. But whichever way you look at it, I would have liked to score much more often."

The Netherlands striker, who has since returned to Ajax, revealed he turned down a lucrative proposal from Besiktas following an impressive stint where he netted nine times in 18 appearances.

However, his decision was sealed when the Red Devils made their approach, coming after he had guided his country to the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.

"Things went very well at Besiktas and I was enjoying myself immensely there," the forward said.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with striker Wout Weghorst

Wout Weghorst believes he could have scored more goals at United and Ten Hag's tactics didn't help his cause (Image: Getty)

"One evening my agent Simon Cziommer called me. Simon said 'there are two clubs interested in you. First he told me a story about Brentford - and then he suddenly shouted 'Wout, United want you!' I dropped the phone and burst into tears.

"My relationship with Besiktas' sporting director was very good and I explained to him that it was my boyhood dream to play for Manchester United. He said he understood, but Besiktas kept coming up with more and more financial offers. I won't mention any amounts, but believe me when I say that I lost a lot to make the transfer possible."

Weghorst's passion for United was so intense that he revealed how his feelings overwhelmed him whilst watching United triumph over rivals City 2-1 in the Manchester derby as his move was being finalised