24 April 2023 , 16:17
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Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst has admitted he felt sorry for Solly March after the Brighton winger missed from the spot following his ‘kiss of death’ in the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out.
March was the only player to miss his penalty in the shoot-out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon after a 0-0 draw across 120 minutes. He blazed his effort over the bar, allowing Victor Lindelof the chance to send United through to the final to face Manchester City in June. Lindelof did just that, leaving March in tears on the pitch.
In the aftermath of United’s victory, fans were quick to notice what Weghorst had done just before March’s decisive miss from the 13th penalty. After sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way to keep United in it in sudden death, Weghorst picked up the ball, kissed it and handed it to March with a few choice words.
Asked if he was determined to speak to March, Weghorst told reporters: "Yeah, I already said it actually before we started to some of the guys but nobody did it. I scored and then I saw the ball and tried to get a few advantages which could maybe help us win it.
"I walked to him and said some things, but at the end [of the match] I went to him because I felt also a little bit sorry because obviously this was the one that they missed. I just tried everything and normally it doesn't make a difference but maybe it did."
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While some fans hailed Weghorst for his s***housery, others questioned his sportsmanship. It seems that, although it had the desired effect, the Dutchman did feel a pang of guilt after March’s miss sealed United’s progression to the final on June 3.
Wout Weghorst kissed the ball before handing it to Solly March (BBC)HAVE YOUR SAY! What's your take on Wout Weghorst's tactics? Comment below.
Weghorst came on as a substitute for Bruno Fernandes in the 101st minute of the FA Cup tie. The Burnley loanee did not play many minutes, but he was involved in the decisive moments and revelled in the win.
After Lindelof put his spot-kick into the top corner Weghorst was seen sprinting over to the United fans and sliding on his knees. He was the only United player or member of staff to head over to the supporters immediately after the final penalty.
March was clearly distraught after his miss from the penalty spot. He had to be consoled by his team-mates after bursting into tears. But, judging by his post on social media on Monday, he is beginning to get over the pain.
He wrote: “Yesterday hurt! These moments don’t define you, it’s how you bounce back. Thanks for your support. Nine massive games to go.”
United are next in action against Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday, while Brighton travel to face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.