ERIK TEN HAG has been warned against the signing of Wout Weghorst, because having “too many Dutch people” is “dangerous”.
Manchester United are keen on signing Weghorst on loan for the remainder of the season.
GettyMarco van Basten has warned Man Utd over the transfer of Wout Weghorst[/caption]
GettyWeghorst has been linked to a loan transfer to Utd[/caption]
However, Marco van Basten has warned United and Ten Hag that adding to their Dutch core may be detrimental.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Van Basten said: “It can become dangerous if you have too many Dutch people and things are not going well.
“You also saw that at Barcelona, when they had five Dutch people. Then it will work against you. Ten Hag has to be careful with that.”
As well as Ten Hag, summer signing Tyrell Malacia and Donny van de Beek represent the current Dutch contingent at Old Trafford, though that could have been added to in the summer had Frenkie de Jong agreed personal terms.
Weghorst’s prospective transfer hinges on whether Besiktas will allow him to terminate his loan from Burnley with them early to then move back on loan to United.
But the legendary forward voiced his “doubts” over whether he was the right fit for the club, and earmarked PSV star Luuk de Jong instead.
He added: “I have my doubts. Take a look at Luuk de Jong. That is really a striker that you can play through the air.
“I don’t think Weghorst is very strong in that regard. He can score a header, but he is more of a boy who can do something with his enthusiasm and force.”
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United have been linked with big names such as Victor Osimhen or Harry Kane, but they are understood to be after a short-term solution in January before moving for more ideal targets in the summer.
Van Basten is not the only Dutch star to have cast a shadow on the move.
Wesley Sneijder revealed he thought reports of a move were a joke.
He said: “I think they’ve seen the trick with the free-kick (vs Argentina at the World Cup), so they don’t fall for that in England anymore.
“In terms of a striker, is he really someone United are waiting for? I don’t think so.
“They still have 300 of those in the Premier League. It must be a stunt. This really can’t be true.”
In the meantime, United host Charlton in the League Cup quarter-final with the knowledge of them not winning a trophy since 2017.
New signing Jack Butland is under consideration with Tom Heaton for the gloves following De Gea’s gaffe at the weekend, while Dutchman Van de Beek is sidelined after a knee injury he picked up in the win over Bournemouth.