Former Ajax star slams ‘harsh’ English critics of Man Utd striker amid Everton links

Joe Williams
Man Utd striker Wout Weghorst looks dejected

Man Utd striker Wout Weghorst has been harshly criticised by the English media and supporters, according to former Ajax star Kenneth Perez.

The Netherlands international signed for the Red Devils in the January transfer window on loan from Burnley until the end of the season.

He came in as a temporary replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club at the end of November following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan.

Weghorst had little impact in his short spell at the club with the 30-year-old scoring just two goals in 31 appearances in all competitions and failed to hit the back of the net in the Premier League.

The striker has come in for some heavy criticism this season but Perez insists claims he “may have chosen the wrong sport” go too far.

“I find them rather harsh in England,” Perez told Voetbalpraat.

“We get the reputation that we are a bit harsh. I have also been outspoken about Weghorst, but they say that he may have chosen the wrong sport.

“That’s pretty harsh. The sport of football is of course not only Manchester United, also AZ, Besiktas… He did a great job there.

“It is of course very painful for him that he has scored zero goals (in the league). And we’ve talked about it before, but of course he doesn’t look good in a Manchester United shirt, (with) his limited technique and all his other limitations.”

And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Weghorst will not be staying at Man Utd and will return to Burnley before potentially moving to Everton or a La Liga side.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Manchester United are preparing for several key departures this summer. Wout Weghorst will be one, there is no intention to keep him after his loan. Everton and Spanish clubs are interested in the Burnley striker.

“Harry Maguire is another player to keep an eye on – clubs were interested in January but Erik ten Hag said no at the time. Still, the feeling now is that the best solution is for him to leave this summer. There will be a meeting next week, but the idea is for Maguire to leave the club.

“Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Dean Henderson on a permanent transfer after his loan at the City Ground. Terms have almost been agreed also on the player side. Manchester United, however, are not ready to give their final green light until David de Gea signs new deal.

“Donny van de Beek will explore options on the market in the next weeks as he could leave Manchester United. Donny loves the club and is a big fan of Erik ten Hag, but he needs and wants to play more regularly next season. He should also be ready for pre-season after his long injury layoff.”

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