Erik ten Hag hails Wout Weghorst after goal in Man United Europa League win

It took Wout Weghorst less than two months to rack up 15 starts for Manchester United, the same number Anthony Martial has managed in the last two years for the club.

Weghorst scored his first Old Trafford goal, and second overall for United, in the Europa League win over Real Betis on Thursday night before launching into an emotional celebration against Stretford End.

The definition of the 6-foot-6 Dutchman has been in question since he arrived on loan from Burnley in January, and there was further evidence of that in United’s 4-1 win. He certainly lacks the same finesse as more technically skilled forwards like Martial.

But Weghorst has emerged as a true workhorse and selfless team player for United, and manager Erik ten Hag recognized the importance of that in Martial’s absence.

‘He is physically capable of playing many games. He is a very fit player and recovers very well,” Ten Hag said.

The Dutch striker on loan received praise from manager Erik ten Hag after his goal on Thursday.

The 6-foot-6 forward isn’t the best finisher, but he does contribute other attributes to the team.

‘Did you expect (to play so many games)? I expect him to play a lot, but obviously we have an injury with Anthony Martial, so obviously that’s the main reason why he plays every game from the beginning to almost the end.

‘Barcelona I think I removed it but he played many other games. I think you are doing well. Whether he’s a striker or a 10 in midfield, he’s also giving good performances.

‘I think he has intelligence of positions. He is a very good anticipator. I tell him, of course, for him to connect there, which he’s also doing as a tall striker, linking up and positioning himself in front of goal when crosses come in, and also on the defensive end, he’s very good at that.’

Ten Hag also paid tribute to Weghorst for not letting his failings in front of goal affect his confidence after missing another couple of chances against Betis.

The 30-year-old was unlucky when Luiz Felipe took the slightest touch to deflect his close-range shot just past the post, but was then lucky to be offside when he fired another chance over the bar from a cross. by Marcus Rashford.

Weghorst’s relief was palpable when he returned the loose ball home in the 82nd minute after goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved Scott McTominay’s effort, and the excitement showed as he celebrated with his teammates.

“I think, as you can see, he’s often in the right position, then he misses but keeps going,” Ten Hag said. “So she showed a great personality and character, not just in this game.

Weghorst has already started as many games for United as Anthony Martial has in two years

Martial has returned to training with United after a hip problem, his latest setback

“He could have hit his target early on, but he stays focused, he keeps working, he keeps putting himself in the right positions and he finally got his target and his reward.”

Martial is back in training after his latest injury – a hip problem – and could return to the squad for Sunday’s home game against Southampton.

But Ten Hag is loath to bring the Frenchman back too quickly after seeing him collapse again in the past. The first of Martial’s last 15 starts in all competitions came on March 11, 2021.

“I think we had a good plan all along, and it worked so far, not always well,” added the United manager. But he is back. He has returned to training, but we will be cautious.