Wout Weghorst delighted to open Manchester United goalscoring account

Wout Weghorst has said that he is now looking to hit the goal trail for Manchester United after opening his account for the club against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

The Netherlands international, who recently arrived at the club on loan from Burnley, scored Man United's second in their 3-0 victory over the Reds in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.

Weghorst has now started all three games against Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Forest since his loan move to the club, and the 30-year-old has revealed his delight at getting his name on the scoresheet for the first time.

"As a striker, you want to score these goals and also this first one. Hopefully, many [more] to come. It was a good attack over the right side. It was Casemiro, I think, who played it to Antony and he shot well," he told MUTV after the semi-final first leg.

"When I saw the high bouncing ball, I just went straight for the rebound and it came exactly like I hoped in front of my feet, and I could finish it.

© Reuters

"You're happy and of course you wanted it [his first goal], so that's a good thing. I'm happy to help the team in this way because I also think it was an important moment shortly before half-time.

"It gave us a way better feeling because, to be honest, the first half was not how we wanted it. I think it was also a good moment."

Marcus Rashford made the breakthrough at the City Ground, while Bruno Fernandes also registered for the Red Devils, with the 3-0 victory putting Erik ten Hag's side in a commanding position ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

"It's a great result, a great first win in the first match, but of course now it's a big opportunity to go to the final," Weghorst added.

© Reuters

"There's one match to go. If we play like we did in the second half where we were more calm on the ball, with more easy play, and just controlled the game, then I don't see any reason to get in trouble next week.

"But of course, it's a match and you saw in the first half, we have to deliver and do things well otherwise you can get in trouble. We were lucky with the 1-1 [Forest's equaliser] that was cancelled. We have to be ready and we have to be focused. You're never allowed to give this away."

Weghorst could also feature in the starting XI against Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday evening if Anthony Martial does not recover from the leg problem that again saw him miss out on Wednesday.

There have been claims that Martial's fitness issues could lead to Ten Hag's side signing another forward on a short-term basis before the end of the window.

Weghorst's loan deal with the Red Devils is due to expire at the end of the season, but the Dutchman recently said that he was determined to secure a permanent move to the club.