Marcel Sabitzer came in to make his first start for Manchester United against Leeds at Old Trafford.
The Austrian was a deadline day loan signing from Bayern Munich, and made his debut as a late substitute against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Signed as a possible partner for Casemiro, Sabitzer ended up replacing the Brazilian after the former Real Madrid star picked up a red card at the weekend.
Sabitzer started alongside Fred against Leeds and soon found himself in a difficult spot as United conceded in the first minute at Old Trafford.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Sabitzer’s first start saw United go 2-0 down before fighting back to level the game at 2-2. The Austrian was then substituted in the 82nd minute with Victor Lindelof taking his place.
The midfielder created three goalscoring chances during his time on the pitch, having three shots at goal, with one on target.
He had 62 touches in total, but looked more comfortable in attack rather than defensively, where he failed to make a tackle, and registered just once interception.
There was enough in Sabitzer’s performance to be encouraged about, and he will look better when he is alongside Casemiro rather than Fred.
On a frustrating night for United, there was no blame to be apportioned Sabitzer’s way for failing to get the three points.
Speaking after the game, MUTV pundit Danny Webber told the channel: “I felt in fits and starts he was good did some good things. You could see that midfield three hadn’t played together a lot. There were [good] moments in first half breaking up play and joining the attack.
“All in all he put a shift in for the team and will be a solid addition.”
Fan reaction to Sabitzer
There were plenty of positive reactions to Sabitzer’s performance. Supporters on Twitter lauded Sabitzer as ‘class’, or ‘decent’.
Another described him as ‘quality’, while another called ‘sign him up’. Here is a look at a selection.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
