Erik ten Hag welcomes Leicester City to Old Trafford on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
They may not have been grabbing as many headlines as some of their teammates, but Wout Weghorst and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have earned praise from Erik ten Hag ahead of Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils host the Foxes as they look to keep their title hopes alive by going back within five points of Arsenal with a victory.
United only played on Thursday night, when they drew 2-2 at Barcelona in the Europa League, with both Weghorst and Wan-Bissaka starting at the Camp Nou.
The big Dutch forward was playing in an unusual role for him, much deeper than expected, with Marcus Rashford leading the line.
Ten Hag was asked if this was all part of the plan when Weghorst arrived on loan in January and admits it wasn’t, but was delighted with how the Dutchman performed.
‘Actually, no,’ Ten Hag told Manchester United club media. ‘The last years he was actually only playing as a striker, but I know from a very long history he can play there. He did before.
‘In a certain role, I think he can act very well there and we have seen that. In Leeds, he did it for a part of the game and yesterday he did it for over 90 minutes.
Few expected Wout Weghorst to be playing in a midfield role for Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I think it was quite successful, not only for him but I think he enjoyed it there. He had an impact on the game, but for the team it was really important his role. I think he let others play better and that’s also what he’s doing as a striker. He lets other team-mates score.’
Ten Hag also had praise for Wan-Bissaka, who started at right-back ahead of Diogo Dalot, who has largely been first choice this season.
The Red Devils manager is delighted with how the full-back has improved his attacking play, adding an important string to his bow.
‘He is improving his game and I’m happy with his return,’ said Ten Hag of the 25-year-old. ‘He had a difficult first part of the season but he fought himself back and that’s a credit to him, if you can do it.
‘If you struggle, you fight yourself back: that’s what life is about, and especially top football. You always have to be front foot, you always have to be ready. Sometimes you have setbacks and you have to deal with it and fight back: that is what he did.
‘As you say, he’s also now improving his game. Defending I think he was always reliable but offensively also now he has an impact.’
