Erik ten Hag: Wout Weghorst ‘close’ to Manchester United transfer but not in time for Manchester derby | football news

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Manager Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are close to closing a deal to sign Wott Wieghurst on loan – but he will not join the club in time for Saturday’s Manchester derby.

There were hopes that the Dutch striker would be ready to face Man City at Old Trafford early in lunchtime, but Ten Hag confirmed before the match that Weghorst was not scored by Friday’s midday deadline.

“I think we are close,” Ten Hag told reporters when asked about the Dutchman. “But he won’t be available tomorrow. Hopefully soon, he will be there.”

Wighorst’s move appeared to have moved a step closer on Friday evening when Besiktas confirmed the end of his loan spell. The Turkish club says it will receive £2.5m in compensation.

United could sign Anthony Martial if the forward recovers from a leg complaint in time for the game, but otherwise, they will again be restricted to forward options as Burnley striker Wieghorst’s movement remains patchy.

One player who will definitely miss is Donny van de Beek, who Ten Hag confirmed has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury.

“In the long run, it looks really good, and he will be back for the start of pre-season,” Ten Hag said. He will miss the rest of the season.

“I think everyone’s thoughts are with him. It’s terrible when you’re in a season and you get a bad tackle and a bad injury. It’s always really frustrating and the thoughts and feelings are with the player. I expressed that, our group did it really well and now we’re happy that his knee is good on the run.” the long “.

Ten Hag: Casemiro is among the best in the world: Casemiro is congratulated by teammate Christian Eriksen after giving Manchester United the lead in the first half against Bournemouth

The Manchester United boss was also asked about the impact of Casemiro, his £60m summer signing, at Old Trafford since his move.

Since domestic football returned last month, United have conceded just one goal in six matches, thanks in part to the Brazilians dominating their midfield, and once again showed their attacking side a goal of their own in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. Jan 3.

Ten Hag was glowing in his admiration for the 30-year-old, who had already made himself an invaluable part of United’s midfield.

“It’s very important,” said the manager. “He is the mortar between the stones. His defence, his organisation, his anticipation, supporting players in the right place, winning balls for the team and duels.

“But also in possession, he can speed up the game. He has this ability to give it to a top team.

“There aren’t many people of that quality in the world, he’s one of them so we’re really happy to have him – it makes a huge difference.”

“This period is about arranging to win prizes.”

A win in the Manchester derby would move United one point behind City, and almost close the gap that has ballooned over recent years, and by the end of last season was at 35 points.

Denying any importance to his side’s chance of moving within striking distance of their rivals, Ten Hag focused instead on United’s positioning in the table ahead of a relentless run through the second half of the season.

“The season isn’t even over. It’s the second time we’ve faced Man City, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said.

“This period of the season is about getting you in a position where you can win trophies at the end of the season, so you have to go game to game, not look too far ahead.

“We have to prove [our improvement] Tomorrow on the field, this is the only clue. Last time it didn’t go well, so we have to do better tomorrow.

“It didn’t happen overnight, there was a process. In the past months, we’ve evolved and progressed. We’ve now faced better teams, and we’re looking forward to that. One of the things is about the mental approach and attitude.

“We have to act with faith and play our game.”

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