How Marcel Sabitzer Fared On His Manchester United Debut

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Manchester United's Marcel Sabitzer.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

The setting for Marcel Sabitzer’s debut was far from ideal, but that didn’t stop the Austrian from giving the Old Trafford crowd a glimpse of his dynamism.

Marcus Rashford’s goal – his 10th since returning from the World Cup – in the 62nd minute doubled the hosts’ lead and put them in a comfortable position. The roar at the Theatre of Dreams highlighted the importance of the goal for the Red Devils, who in their previous two league games dropped three points thanks to Michael Olise’s equaliser at Selhurst Park and Eddie Nketiah’s late winner at the Emirates.

But the good vibes lasted only for a few minutes, as Casemiro’s 70th-minute red card followed by Palace’s goal six minutes later put United on the back foot.

Ten Hag swiftly turned to his bench to avoid another disappointing end to the game. With Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen both sidelined, the United boss was left with no option but to introduce Sabitzer to tighten the midfield despite having very limited training time with his new teammates.

The Bayern Munich loanee rose to the tricky occasion and helped United maintain possession in good areas with his passing and carrying. Further, his intensity off the ball once again changed the mood in the stadium and thwarted the visitors’ new-found momentum.

Sabitzer will not have to wait too long for his first United start, as Casemiro will be suspended for United’s next three league games. His energy could certainly come in handy during United’s doubleheader against arch-rivals Leeds United.