Sean Dyche has sharpened Everton’s squad for Saturday’s game against Manchester United. The number sixteen in the Premier League is still concerned about relegation and therefore benefits from a result at Old Trafford. During the closing press conference on Thursday, Dyche specifically addressed Wout Weghorst, the striker with whom he worked at Burnley.
Dyche and Weghorst worked together for a few months at Burnley last year, when the striker came over from VfL Wolfsburg and had to score goals at Turf Moore. That only worked to a limited extent (twice), resulting in relegation. Last winter, Burnley let Weghorst go to Old Trafford via Besiktas. “Wout is a very good player”, emphasizes Dyche. “He always works hard, is professional and always plays for the team. I would certainly not underestimate him as a player. I hope he is not in his best when we play against them on Saturday.”
Weghorst started against Brentford last weekend for the first time since joining United on the reserve bench. The striker was replaced by Jadon Sancho, where many had expected Anthony Martial in the starting line-up. Ultimately, Weghorst would be kept on the bench for the entire match by Erik ten Hag, who won a minimal victory with his team (1-0). Weghorst is expected to start again on the bench against Everton.
Ten Hag chose Sancho against Brentford because of his creativity. “We can certainly have that debate,” said Ten Hag, who has recently placed Weghorst at number 10 as a playmaker. “I am convinced that we always have a good frontline, whether we are ahead with three or four. A lot of creativity, intelligence, a high pace and a lot of togetherness. I think with Sancho we will create more, we will have more threat. The balance in the attack will have to be good.”