Wout Weghorst shirt number choice at Man Utd after top option becomes available
Wout Weghorst is on the cusp of signing for Manchester United and it’ll soon to be time for him select his shirt number.
The Dutch striker, who stands at a towering 6ft 6in, is set to be parachuted in on loan from Burnley for the second of the Red Devils’ season, as they battle for silverware on four fronts. Weghorst, 30, was due to continue playing for Turkish giants Besiktas until the end of the 2022-23 campaign, forcing United to cough up a £2.5million compensation fee in order to terminate that loan agreement.
Old Trafford chiefs have backed manager Erik ten Hag with the move, as he’s been desperate to sign a striker throughout the January transfer window and watched targets like Cody Gakpo and Joao Felix join Premier League rivals in Liverpool and Chelsea. But now the Red Devils boss looks to have finally got his man, as once Weghorst dots the i’s and crosses the t’s, he’ll seal a long-awaited deal.
Soon enough, the 30-year-old will be asked by club officials to select his shirt number, with United fans hoping that he can become a cult hero over the next six months, Following Cristiano Ronaldo ‘s acrimonious departure in November, Weghorst could well snap up the No.7 and follow in the footsteps of a series of Red Devils legends – and a few flops – to don the number.
Renowned for his confidence and self-belief – which was often perceived as arrogance by his Burnley teammates last term – the Netherlands international may well feel bold enough to ask for the famous shirt, especially since United CEO Richard Arnold had been reserving the No.7 for new Chelsea signing Felix, according to A Bola.
Aside from seven, the former Wolfsburg hitman will have his pick of a few lesser-regarded options, none of which he’s worn at his previous clubs. Starting out as 28 for local side Emmen before becoming their No.9, Weghorst was handed the 19 jersey upon his arrival at fellow Dutch club Heracles.
He then reclaimed No.9 at AZ Alkmaar, going on to sport it for both Wolfsburg and Burnley. Weghorst has spent much of the season wearing No.10, having been given that shirt at Besiktas. At the World Cup for the Netherlands, however, he turned out with the 19 on his back again, having briefly sported No.14 during his early days in the Dutch setup.
At Old Trafford, however, the available numbers – within the realm of sensibility – are as follows: 13, 15, 16, 24, 26, 27 and 30. In addition, there’s a small chance that another shirt number could become available if a player were to the Red Devils before Weghorst officially takes his pick from his current options. But with United keen to have their new striker registered in time for Saturday’s derby clash with Manchester City at 12:30 GMT, a quick decision will be needed.
