Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given his verdict on new arrival Marcel Sabitzer‘s first start for the club.
Sabitzer played 82 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Leeds, playing in central midfield alongside Fred in a makeshift midfield.
Fred had an off-night which made Sabitzer’s task even more challenging, but the Austrian held his own and his quality was evident, even though his shooting was a little astray.
He had made his debut days earlier as a substitute against Crystal Palace, and Casemiro’s suspension in addition to injuries meant Sabitzer was needed to start against Leeds.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesTen Hag on Sabitzer
Erik ten Hag explained he was happy with Sabitzer’s contribution and took him off with an eye on the weekend game at Elland Road, where he will also need him.
The manager explained to the club website that he was worried about Sabitzer tiring, which is why he replaced him with a fresh Victor Lindelof for the end of the game.
Ten Hag said: “I think Marcel Sabitzer did a decent job and played a good game and the reason we took him off is because he didn’t play since a while 90 minutes. In training, he seems like a fit guy.
“But if you have to come into a Premier League game, especially when you have to play Leeds United, as a team with the most intensity in the game, it is normal you are a little bit tired.”
Sabitzer’s last club start came for Bayern Munich back in early November before the World Cup break, so it is understandable the manager wanted to play it cautious.
With that said, Ten Hag’s switch to bring on Lindelof may have helped United to consolidate and seal a point, but it was not enough to manufacture a winner either. Looking back, the manager might wish he took a different option, or kept Sabitzer on.
One thing Sabitzer showed was a willingness to shoot, he had three efforts, one of which was on target. He also managed to create three goalscoring chances.
This attack-mindedness could really pay off. Sabitzer is a player with more than 100 professional goals to his name, the fourth highest in the United squad.
United will only see the best of him when he is playing alongside Casemiro, rather than Fred. For this, he will have to wait a little while.
Source: unitedinfocus
