Marcus Rashford conceded that Manchester United’s players were thrilled for Wout Weghorst after he scored his first Old Trafford goal in the 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis.
The Dutchman, who joined United on loan from Burnley for the rest of the campaign in January, netted their fourth goal of the clash, meaning they will head into the second leg of their last-16 with the Spanish team next week with one foot in the quarter-finals.
The striker turned the ball home from close range after McTominay’s strike was parried into his path by Claudio Bravo.
Weghorst, who had scored just one goal prior to the win over Betis, was relieved to have finally ended his goal drought in an emotion-filled celebration.
The Red Devils, after Ayoze Perez’s first-half equaliser, had cranked up the pressure during the second half, through earlier goals from Antony and Fernandes.
While both goals were key for the duo, it was Weghorst’s that meant the most. And for Rashford, who had fired United in front early in the first half with his 26th goal of the season, it was a moment that sent a positive feeling in the team.
Asked if Weghorst’s goal meant a lot to the United side, Rashford, speaking to BT Sport, said: “Yes, 100 per cent. He is a forward, he gets joy from scoring goals.
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“As good as he works hard and does all the other stuff, he wants to score goals, so yes, everyone is really pleased for him.”
“It is a step back in the right direction,” he added. “Obviously we have to build on this now to gain momentum again, but we can’t put too much emphasis on Sunday [vs Liverpool] – it’s gone and we can’t change it.
“We have to look forward now to the next games.”
