Roy Keane issues verdict on Wout Weghorst after Dutchman’s goal during Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd

Roy Keane is already impressed with Manchester United’s new signing Wout Weghorst.

It has been a relatively quiet transfer window for United so far, with the Red Devils opting not to spend significantly due to the uncertainty over the club’s owners. United have invested big fees in the past, including in the summer, but Erik ten Hag must be smart this month to put his squad in the best position for a top-four finish.

As part of that, he snapped up fellow countryman Weghorst on loan from Burnley, a signing that many considered underwhelming. But Weghorst has already got off the mark, scoring a very well-taken rebound during United’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in the East Midlands, on Wednesday night.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, United legend Roy Keane said: “Great finish, look at his reactions. People have been critical that he’s come to the club. That’s what he’s been brought to the club for. Huge goal for United.”

Keane went on to add: “Man United had to bring someone in. The manager made it clear, there was no money to spend. They lost [Cristiano] Ronaldo, questions marks about Anthony Martial’s fitness. So I can see why they gambled on him,” said the former United captain.

“I don’t think he’ll be a prolific goal-scorer but if he pops up with the odd important goal like that and he helps Marcus [Rashford]. He’s an international player – he’s no mug! The perception about him, because he struggled in a Burnley team that were having a difficult season, people kind of judge him on that. Give the guy a chance, he scored an important goal for United tonight. Good luck to him.

“His lack of pace can be a problem when United are trying to play on the counter attack but they’ll need to play to his strengths. He linked up well, took his goal well.

“There’s a reason he came on loan, because he’s obviously not top level. But the important thing is that the manager knows him well. You need characters in your dressing room.”