Manchester United have not signed Wout Weghorst in time for him to play against Manchester City, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
- Thiago Silva’s wife blasts Chelsea stars after Fulham defeat
- Marcus Thuram U-turns over Chelsea move after advanced talks
Weghorst is believed to have signed his contract at the club but the Red Devils are still to announce his arrival.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Manchester derby, ten Hag confirmed the deal is almost done but not in time for the player to be registered for Saturday’s kick-off.
‘We are close, he will not be available for tomorrow,’ ten Hag said.
United’s shortage of options in attack could be highlighted again on Saturday with Anthony Martial an injury doubt ahead of the game against Pep Guardiola’s side.
While Marcus Rashford, who has scored seven goals since the return of club football, could now lead the line against City, ten Hag is hopeful Weghorst can offer another option soon with the trip to Crystal Palace coming on Wednesday.
‘Hopefully it will be soon for us, he will be there,’ ten Hag added.
The Netherlands international is set to become United’s second signing of the January window after Jack Butland, coming in to provide solution to United’s striker shortage.
The 30-year-old signed for Burnley last January but managed just two goals in 20 games with the Clarets relegated to the Championship at the end of last campaign.
He has since rediscovered his scoring form at Beskitas, scoring nine times in 19 games with United agreeing a compensation deal with the Turkish club to bring him to Old Trafford.
Manchester United have been limited to loan signings this month after spending over £200m in the summer window.
The club were also interested in signing Joao Felix but refused to meet Atletico’s demands of a £9million loan fee, with the player joining Chelsea this week.
