Manchester United need to spend the summer transfer window scouring the market, searching high and low for an illustrious striker with an eye for goal, no doubt about it.

In January, Erik ten Hag opted for a fellow Dutchman to fill the void. And while goals have not been his forte, Wout Weghorst has given this team another layer of possibility.

His goal-scoring record does make for dismal reading - but a rampant Marcus Rashford is allowing Weghorst to flourish in other areas and is metaphorically the glue that holds this free-flowing attack structure together.

The way to best think about it is that we’re all on board the Weghorst Experience, and I’m currently front row.

Pressing is integral to how the wheels go round on the Weghorst Experience. His heavily publicised pressing numbers and selfless attitude offer the opportunity for others in this star-studded side to thrive while simultaneously not giving opposing defenders a moment to think.

Another crucial aspect of his game is link-up play when receiving the ball back-to-goal.

The daring sight of a 6ft 6in forward dropping deeper offering a ball-to-feet situation is enough to make a calm head fret, but this is Weghorst’s bread and butter. His frame makes him a outlet for passes to be fed into as he thrives in situations with his back to goal.

Those around him suffer in this department. Bruno Fernandes often becomes disgruntled when receiving the ball in pressured situations. He prefers to give and go with a backheel or flick, and although Rashford has improved, his preference is to run directly at players with his blistering pace.

Whether Weghorst will still be tipping up to Carrington next term is another matter, but that’s the harsh reality of football.

Weghorst, 30, is seasoned enough to understand this reality. Ultimately, his recruitment was to replace the outgoing Cristiano Ronaldo and act as an alternative to Frenchman Anthony Martial, but has now cemented himself as a staple part of Erik ten Hag’s thriving masterplan. Why would anyone want him to leave?