Man United 'scrambling around' for Weghorst as Ighalo transfer comparison made

Erik ten Hag's side are keen to make an attacking signing this month following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the club.

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They have been linked with a move for Dutchman Weghorst, who currently plays for Besiktas on loan from Burnley, although the Turkish outfit have poured cold water on the speculation.

For many, the 30-year-old would probably not be high on their list of attacking targets in January.

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And former Premier League striker Bent sees similarities between this saga and when United completed the loan signing of Ighalo back in 2020.

Bent told talkSPORT host and Man United fan Andy Goldstein: "It does remind me of the Ighalo situation.

"Because you lot are scrambling around, and Ighalo at the time was playing in Shanghai and you went and got him.

"Weghorst is over in Turkey, and where I get it, he's a good player, he scored a couple of goals in the World Cup, he's got good feet, he holds up the ball really well.

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"You've seen him do that but it's just, where will you find another centre forward from somewhere? It feels like there's hardly any about is there, unless you're going to pay in excess of £100million."

However, Bent did go on to add: "He's a good player Weghorst. His numbers maybe over the last couple of seasons haven't been great, but there's ability there, 30-years-old.

"I guess it's another option to [Anthony] Martial, or whether [Marcus] Rashford plays down the middle."

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Ighalo scored five goals in 23 appearances for United, before joining Saudi Arabia side Al Shabab at the start of 2021.

Meanwhile, Weghorst has just two Premier League goals to his name, which were scored during his half season representing Burnley last term.