Wout Weghorst has described Manchester United teammate Anthony Martial as an injury prone player while discussing his move to and role at Manchester United.

“All Ten Hag said was that he needed a striker who could fit into his way of playing. He certainly did not paint the picture as it is now,” Weghorst said.

“That’s what I came for. But Ten Hag did say clearly, ‘It is up to you. You can force things and the best one plays’.

“My dream has always been to get the most out of my career. To tap my ceiling. It makes me incredibly proud and happy.

“Sometimes I think I am doing really well – but then I remember I am still only on two goals. That’s also how everyone looks at football. I try to teach my children to look at other aspects than just goals – and that works for me as well.

“I prefer to look at what is positive. When I scored my first goal at Nottingham Forest I said in an interview I can’t wait for my first goal in a home game in front of our fans. That took another few games, but it was a big moment for me.

“You only experience how big United is when you are part of it. This is an absolute top club, with all the attention from the outside. You have to find a way to deal with it, but I manage to be myself even in this environment.”

Weghorst was only expected to be a back-up to Martial, but the Frenchman has been struck down by five separate injuries this season, meaning he has played just 209 minutes since the turn of the year.

“Anthony Martial was his [Ten Hag’s] striker and he was doing fine – but he is injury-prone and the manager wanted all positions double-staffed,” Weghorst added.

“My physique is like a house and has been all through my career. But I have never had an injury and never even had to miss a single match. It’s bizarre, really.

“What I always say: a lot is also determined in the head. At this level, you can no longer start every game fully recovered. So it also requires a lot of mental strength and mental resilience.”