‘People have been critical that he’s come to the club – that’s what he’s brought in for’: Roy Keane hails Wout Weghorst’s ‘reactions’ after Dutchman’s first goal for Man United, insisting he ‘can see why they gambled on him’
- Roy Keane heaped praise on Wout Weghorst after scoring in the Carabao Cup
- The Dutch striker reacted quickest to double Man United’s advantage in the tie
- Keane hit back at those who criticised United’s move for the ex-Burnley forward
Roy Keane heaped praise on Man United striker Wout Weghorst after the Dutchman scored in his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win against Nottingham Forest.
The former Burnley striker got off the mark for the Red Devils after reacting quickest to a rebound in the final moments of the first-half at the City Ground.
And, during Sky Sports’ half-time analysis, former United star Keane was quick to celebrate the Holland forward’s goal and claimed ‘that’s what he’s been brought to the club for’.
Wout Weghorst scored his first goal for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane was quick to shower praise on the Holland international
Speaking on United’s second goal, Keane said: ‘Great finish, look at his [Weghorst’s] reactions.
‘People have been critical that he’s come to the club. That’s what he’s been brought to the club for. Huge goal for United.’
He later added: ‘Man United had to bring someone in. The manager made it clear, there was no money to spend. They lost Ronaldo, questions marks about Anthony Martial’s fitness… so I can see why they gambled on him. I don’t think he’ll be a prolific goalscorer but if he pops up with the odd-important goal like that and he helps Marcus. He’s an international player – he’s no mug!
‘The perception about him, because he struggled in a Burnley team that were having a difficult season, people kind of judge him on that. Give the guy a chance, he scored an important goal for United tonight. Good luck to him.
‘His lack of pace can be a problem when United are trying to play on the counter-attack but they’ll need to play to his strengths. He linked up well, took his goal well. There’s a reason he came on loan, because he’s obviously not top level. But the important thing is that the manager knows him well. You need characters in your dressing room.’
Weghorst reacted quickest to poke home and doubled United’s advantage in the cup tie
Michael Dawson then added: ‘Take nothing away from Wout Weghorst. He’s an out-and-out number nine and I think he’s a good signing for Man United. He might not be the superstar name but he’s scored goals.’
Weghorst was on hand to convert for United after Antony’s initial shot was saved by Wayne Hennessey, and the Holland international snuck in to double the score.
There had been question marks over Weghorst’s arrival earlier in the window, after the forward joined on loan from Burnley for the remainder of the season.
Keane’s punditry partner, Gary Neville, said: ‘There’s a little bit to do with the finish and he does really well with the outside of his right foot.
Weghorst celebrated with team-mate Antony, who had kick-started the move for the goal
Weghorst’s goal gave United some much needed breathing space in the tie after Marcus Rashford had given the visitors the lead earlier in the first-half.
The 25-year-old, who scored his 10th goal in just as many games, took six minutes to score for United again, driving down the left flank, taking on Serge Aurier and bursting past Joe Worral before firing past the helpless Wayne Hennessey in goal.
Rashford has been rejuvenated under Erik ten Hag and shows no sign of stopping at the moment and after Weghorst doubled the advantage, Bruno Fernandes netted a third late on to effectively complete the job.
Marcus Rashford continued his fine form for United with a brilliant solo goal against Forest
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