Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has showered praise on Wout Weghorst. Many football boffins have expressed their surprise at the inclusion of the Dutch player in United’s starting XI. Weghorst is yet to find the back of the net for the Red Devils after playing six matches in the Premier League but he has been backed by manager Erik Ten Hag.

Weghorst has so far played 10 matches for Manchester United across all competitions and he scored his maiden goal for the club against Nottm Forest in the EFL Cup.

The 30-year-old was signed on loan until the end of the season for a fee of €3 million from Besiktas in January.

While speaking on his podcast, Gary Neville said: “I love Wout Wehghorst. We shouldn’t laugh, but there are times today… You have to admire Erik ten Hag picking him for every single match.”

He continued: “I asked Ten Hag about that before the game. He feels he brings something to the team, and I can see why. Man United last season, there was this debate about whether or not they could press with Cristiano Ronaldo. They couldn’t close down from the front. They couldn’t press. You have to be able to press in the modern game.”

Neville feels Weghorst is brilliant in pressing and creating space, which Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t doing enough during his stint. Thus, he is receiving backing from his compatriot manager.

He added: “What Weghorst does, he’s very good in transition. He’s very good at defending set pieces. He’s very good when they’re in shape and he’s watching space. He’s doing a vital job for a team that has got a lot of attacking talent. That’s why he’s playing every week.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United shared the spoils with Barcelona with a 2-2 draw in the Europa League. The Red Devils will next face Newcastle United on Sunday in the EFL Cup.