Erik ten Hag could be torn between his favourite Manchester United player and Jadon Sancho

Wout Weghorst might have thought his agent was joking when he informed him of Manchester United's interest in January.

However, after the dramatic departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag wanted to strengthen his attacking options and, with limited transfer funds available, he turned to sign Weghorst on a short-term loan, as he already knew the player.

The only problem with the move is that Weghorst was signed to score goals and yet he's managed to find the back of the net just twice against Nottingham Forest and Real Betis - both goals were rebounds - during his time in Manchester.

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Weghorst, who links play well and works hard, has provided value out of possession, but he crucially hasn't been a goal threat, although his lack of attacking quality didn't stop Ten Hag from starting him in every possible match until this week.

The centre-forward signed on loan on January 13 and he made the starting team for 19 consecutive games until an overdue demotion to the bench for the visit of Brentford to Old Trafford.

Weghorst was utterly anonymous against Newcastle in the Reds' disappointing 2-0 defeat at St. James' Park last weekend and his performance in the North East proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back regarding his starting role.

Gary Neville said Weghorst is 'not good enough' to play for the club after that defeat against Newcastle and Ten Hag said about those comments: "I also saw another comment from Gary Neville when he reflected on the performance of Wout. [he said] that with Wout we are quite successful and I think that is the evidence, so that is what I can say. I am happy with him."

Ten Hag has consistently defended Weghorst this