Manchester United have decided not to sign Wout Weghorst on a permanent deal

Manchester United has reportedly decided against signing Wout Weghorst on a permanent deal. Weghorst, who joined the club on loan from Burnley in the January transfer window, has scored just two goals in 26 appearances for United.

The club does not have an option or obligation to sign the 30-year-old striker, who is contracted to Burnley until 2025.

United had brought in Weghorst to offset the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, his underwhelming performances have forced the club to look for other options.

United is reportedly prioritizing a centre forward in the summer transfer window, with Tottenham talisman Harry Kane being the preferred target of manager Erik ten Hag.

Although well-placed sources say that ten Hag is “obsessed” with Kane, United is also interested in the prolific Napoli goalscorer Victor Osimhen.

The club is keeping tabs on other potential options as well, including Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani, Atalanta goalscorer Rasmus Hojlund, Benfica frontman Goncalo Ramos, and Mohammed Kudus of Ajax.

Weghorst was one of three loan signings made by United in January, alongside goalkeeper Jack Butland and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. Butland’s contract with Crystal Palace is set to expire in the summer, while Sabitzer is currently tied to Bayern Munich until 2025.

United’s decision not to sign Weghorst on a permanent deal indicates that the club is looking for a more established and high-performing striker to lead their attack next season.

With the club’s ambitions to challenge for major trophies, the pressure will be on ten Hag and the United hierarchy to secure a top-class striker in the upcoming transfer window.