Marcus Rashford has revealed the Manchester United squad were delighted for Wout Weghorst after the Netherlands inernational bagged his second goal for the club on Thursday night - his first at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils ran out 4-1 winners against Real Betis in the first-leg of their Europa League round-of-16 clash, with Weghorst adding the fourth to ensure United go into the second-leg firmly in the driving seat. The Dutchman's goal came about after Claudio Bravo parried Scott McTominay's strike and he was on hand to respond quickest and guide the ball home.
It was a moment of pure ecstasy for Weghorst judging by the level of emotion etched on his face as he wheeled away in celebration. At one moment, it looked as if the Burnely loanee had been moved to tears.
United already enjoyed a dominant grip on the tie as goals from Antony and Bruno Fernandes placed them 3-1 up on the night after Rashford's opener in the sixth minute was cancelled out by Ayoze Perez.
Rashford is in remarkable form himself this term and his strike against Betis marked his 26th of the season across all competitions, but it was Weghorst's goal the England ace waxed lyrical over after the game.
Asked if Weghorst at long last getting on the scoresheet after an 11-game drought meant a lot to the rest of the squad, Rashford replied: "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."
Rashford's sentiments were echoed by his manager, as Erik ten Hag also seemed overjoyed with Weghorst's contribution.
"He [Weghorst] was so close many times already and he has created so many chances and goals for others by making space," the United boss explained. "Now he has his goal [at Old Trafford] and he deserved it."
The goal couldn't have come at a better time from Weghorst's perspective, as it eases some of the pressure and scrutiny the striker was under from United fans after footage emerged of him touching the 'This is Anfield' sign in the tunnel before last Sunday's humiliation at the hands of Liverpool.
Criticism of Weghorst's conduct in the tunnel was so fierce that the 30-year-old felt compelled to write a statement explaining why he touched the sign in the days that followed.
All appears to be forgiven now however, after he found the net and helped United put one foot into the last eight of the Europa League.
