Wout Weghorst: Emotional Scenes As Manchester United Striker Scores in Europa League Win Over Real Betis

• Wout Weghorst finally opened his goalscoring tally at Old Trafford, more than a month after joining Manchester United
• Weghorst tapped in from close range in United's huge victory over Real Betis on March 9
• Erik ten Hag has used the Dutch international in different positions as Anthony Martial remains sidelined

Wout Weghorst finally scored his first goal at Old Trafford to help Manchester United see off Real Betis in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16.

It has been a long time coming for the striker, who has been on the receiving end of criticism from fans after his arrival in January.

Weghorst was signed as a stop-gap measure following Cristiano Ronaldo's exit and Anthony Martial's recurring injury problems. Having starred in the World Cup quarterfinals, United struck a deal with Burnley to get him on a six-month loan.

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For a striker, he has struggled up front, but luckily enough, his lack of goals has been covered by the red-hot Marcus Rashford. Prior to the game vs Betis on March 9, his only goal for United came in the Carabao semifinals against Nottingham Forest.

Against Betis, he capitalised on a rebound from a Scott McTominay shot at goal to power the ball past Claudio Bravo.

He then wheeled away in celebration towards the Stretford End, emotion written all over his face as his teammates milled around him.

This is Anfield controversy

This comes at a time when he was criticised after a video showed him touching the famous 'This is Anfield' sign on March 5.

Anfield was the scene of Man United's demolition by their North-West derby rivals, Liverpool, during which they conceded seven goals.

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The on-loan striker from Burnley touched the sacred sign as the two teams walked out on the turf. The 'This is Anfield' sign is often considered a preserve of Liverpool players. Opposition players, especially rival players, are not supposed to touch it in one of the many unwritten rules in football rivalry.

In a quick rejoinder, the Dutch striker took to his Instagram story to clarify the incident and claimed his commitment to Manchester United can never be questioned.

He gave the reason for doing it was to wind up Netherlands national teammate Virgil van Dijk, who he knows from the national team, always touches it before every game. The reason is believable, as he and Van Dijk touched it at the same time.