Weghorst explains why he chose No.27 for Man Utd ahead of Crystal Palace clash

Manchester United new boy Wout Weghorst has explained the reasoning behind his new shirt number ahead of Wednesday night's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.

Weghorst, 30, completed a shock switch to Old Trafford over the weekend after cutting short a season-long loan at Besiktas. The Burnley striker, who joined the Clarets from Wolfsburg for £12million last January, emerged as a target for Erik ten Hag last week and pushed to force through a dream move.

The Netherlands international was unable to take part in Saturday's Manchester derby but could make his debut when United travel to Selhurst Park in midweek.

If United fans are treated to a glimpse of their new striker in south London, then they will see a No.27 in action. The number previously belong to Alex Telles, who was sent on loan to Sevilla in the summer.

And Weghorst, who explained why he chose the number, revealed that he reached out to Telles in order to seek the Brazilian defender's permission before taking ownership of it.

Weghorst told Manchester United's official website: "Of course, I looked into the ones that are free or available. Two and seven will make nine, of course - a striker's number. I had a feeling with it and of course, when I came here I heard it was Alex [Telles'] number, he got loaned out now. So yeah, I first had to ask him if that was okay, so I said to them [United] that was for me important and then in the end there was no problem so thanks to him also. So yeah, I go for the 27 and actually it's just because I had a good feeling with it."

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Some people have been left seriously underwhelmed by United's pursuit of Weghorst after he scored just twice in 20 outings for Burnley during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign and was unable to save them from relegation.

But former Old Trafford goal machine Ruud van Nistelrooy is adamant that his compatriot will surprise people and has all the tools to be a success during his stint at United.

Speaking to Voetbal International, Van Nistelrooy, who is now the boss of PSV Eindhoven, said: "I think Wout has so much character and qualities that he will stand there. I experienced him with the Oranje. He's just a whopper of a guy, with an incredibly competitive character. We also saw that at the World Cup.

"Wout is ready for such a step. And he will make his contribution there, I am 100 per cent convinced of that. He has the qualities to make an impact at United."