Wout Weghorst must stick to Erik ten Hag instruction to fulfil Manchester United prediction

Wout Weghorst was not sheepish about his elated goal celebration against Real Betis in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg clash.

“I think you could [see] it," he said, when it came up in a subsequent interview. “Great feeling and of course, I had to wait a long time for it - too long.” It was his first Old Trafford goal in what was his eighth home game since arriving in January.

It was clearly a trying week for the attacker who was hooked early in the second half of the 7-0 drubbing at Liverpool and had been at the brunt of taunts from a few after being seen touching the This Is Anfield sign ahead of kick-off.

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This was a man already frustrated with his goals return having netted just once in 14 outings before Thursday’s showdown. He was eager to make a point in midweek and he must keep that attitude going forward.

The striker isn’t just fighting for his place amid the long-awaited impending return of Anthony Martial, but for his future at United too. With months the only thing coming out of the January budget wallet, the club were forced into the loan market.

Weghorst was brought in as a stop-gap and despite an initial hopeful buzz, the striker looks like he will be exactly that - but he still has time yet to turn that tide. Upon his striker’s arrival, Erik ten Hag hailed the attributes of the Netherlands World Cup star.

“He can score goals from everywhere and he was always a surprise at every club in every league. That is also what I expect here. For here, I expect a team player and someone who can link up, a player who will do his defending work and we are really happy to sign him.''

Weghorst has mightily fulfilled this link-up and defensive play