Wout Weghorst’s biggest strength is stopping him achieving his Manchester United aim

“I think in the balance of the offensive [players], he really fits in. I am really happy and I don't think we had the type what he is,” Erik ten Hag said of Wout Weghorst upon his loan arrival in January

“Most importantly, he can score goals from everywhere and he was always a surprise at every club in every league. That is also what I expect here.” The striker has yet to live up to that expectation having netted just once in 14 Manchester United games.

It’s not a great return and a far cry from the nine in 18 Besiktas matches he recorded in the first half of the season. But then, he was never expected to match that ratio, especially after netting just twice in 20 Premier League games for Burnley.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag makes captain decision on Fernandes

The early arguments were that he was not given the service he needed at Turf Moor but that couldn't be argued at Old Trafford because he’s been asked to play a different role.

Ten Hag continued in his opening Weghorst comments: “For here, I expect a team player and someone who can link up, a player who will do his defending work and we are really happy to sign him.''

In that regard, Weghorst has shown up and contributed, and it’s the role he’s been asked to play. The forward has often dropped deeper to receive the ball to allow wide men Marcus Rashford and Antony to bomb on.

His longevity in the team cannot be questioned either. Only he and Bruno Fernandes have started every game they’ve been available for since his arrival.

The responsibility of dropping deep seems to be his most useful role at United, so much so that Ten Hag dropped him into the number 10 role at the Nou Camp in the 2-2 draw with Barcelona in their Europa League tie.

He has operated in the