It is his fifth game at the stadium and Wout Weghorst’s Old Trafford goal-drought continues. The thirty-year-old Dutchman played a fine role in the 3-0 win over Leicester City, but eventually became desperate when all his six attempts on goal failed to yield a goal.
In the run-up to the game against Leicester, Weghorst told the club channel how much he craved a goal: “I’m waiting for my first goal here at Old Trafford. Unfortunately it feels like it’s taking a bit too long, but I just keep working hard and hopefully it will come soon. I’m sure it will be a special moment.”
That burning ambition was clearly visible on Sunday. Weghorst started the game as number 10 in the back of Marcus Rashford, but also frequently got into scoring position himself. Early in the second half, the Dutchman saw a shot from the edge of sixteen blocked. Moments later he tried with an overhead kick, but hit the ball completely wrong. Weghorst himself could laugh about that.
In the 62nd minute Weghorst seemed to be the end point of a great United attack, but Sancho came in between and shot in the 3-0. In the 71st minute Weghorst headed towards goal from a free kick, but his effort went half a meter wide. The disbelief could already be read from the face of the towering striker.
Six shots, without a goal
A minute later, Weghorst was the final destination of a quick counter, but Timothy Castagne put his foot right in time for the Dutchman’s effort. Weghorst got his biggest chance in the 88th minute. On a pass from Sancho, he was able to shoot freely, but Danny Ward made a good save with his foot. Weghorst sank to his knees and fell backwards to the ground.
Captain Bruno Fernandes recognized his teammate’s struggle and did everything he could to help Weghorst score a goal. When his pass did not reach Weghorst in the 89th minute, even the Portuguese became frustrated. Weghorst gave him an affectionate pat and decided to laugh about it. The Dutchman will have to wait a while for his first goal in the Theater of Dreams.
In addition to all those goal attempts, Weghorst also stood out with his work ethic. He made the most tackles of any player on the field, a quality previously praised in the British media.
