Wout Weghorst, the Manchester United striker, admitted that he felt sorry for Solly March after the Brighton winger missed his penalty following Weghorst’s ‘kiss of death’ in the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out.
In the shoot-out held on Sunday afternoon at Wembley, March was the only player who missed his penalty, sending his effort over the bar, and giving Victor Lindelof the opportunity to send Manchester United to the final to face Manchester City in June.
Lindelof converted his penalty, leaving March in tears on the pitch.
After Manchester United’s victory, fans quickly noticed what Weghorst had done just before March’s decisive miss from the 13th penalty.
Following Weghorst’s successful penalty that kept United in the game during sudden death, he 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.” [ Mirror]
While some fans praised Weghorst for his unsporting behavior, others questioned his sportsmanship. Although it had the desired effect, the Dutchman did feel guilty after March’s miss confirmed Manchester United’s progress to the final on June 3.
Bruno Fernandes was substituted in the 101st minute of the FA Cup tie, and Wout Weghorst came on as a substitute.
Despite not playing many minutes, the Burnley loanee was involved in the crucial moments and enjoyed the victory.
Following Lindelof’s successful penalty, which he put into the top corner, Weghorst was seen sprinting towards the Manchester United fans and sliding on his knees.
He was the only player or staff member who went straight to the supporters after the final penalty.
March was visibly upset after missing his penalty, and he had to be comforted by his teammates after bursting into tears.
However, based on his social media post on Monday, it appears that he is starting to recover from the disappointment.
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.”
The next game for Manchester United is in the Premier League against Tottenham, scheduled for Thursday, while Brighton will be visiting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.