Marcel Sabitzer marked his Borussia Dortmund debut with a goal and an assist as the former Manchester United loanee makes a blistering start following his Premier League departure.
All three of the Austrian’s goals in Manchester United colours came in cup competitions; the former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig ace brilliantly backheeling Erik ten Hag’s side past Fulham before netting twice in the blink of an eye against Sevilla in the Europa League.
And, on his competitive bow in the yellow-and-black of Borussia Dortmund, the waspish Marcel Sabitzer ensured that there would be no sting in the tail as the DFB Pokal got underway over the weekend.
Marcel Sabitzer shining after Manchester United exit
Edin Terzic’s side cruised past lower league Schott Mainz; winning 6-1 at the MEWA Arena. Dortmund’s new £16 million signing needed only 57 minutes to open his account, meanwhile, Sabitzer lashing home a loose ball inside the penalty area.
A clever first-time pass then set up Donyell Malen’s own thumping finish later in the half. Sabitzer taking a leaf out of Anthony Elanga’s book and marking his first appearance post-Manchester United with an assist.
“I gained confidence and rhythm in the training camp. It feels like I’ve been here for a while,” a refreshed, revitalised Sabitzer told Ruhr Nachrichten following Dortmund’s dominant first round win.
“I feel very comfortable (here). The guys are great. A goal and an assist on my debut is nice. Of course, it feels good.”
‘He will help us’
Capped 71 times by Austria, a former RB Leipzig captain and a league champion at both Bayern Munich and Red Bull Salzburg, Sabitzer brings potentially invaluable experience to a Dortmund side who choked when the pressure was at it’s most acute last season, throwing away the title on a calamitous final day.
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“In the case of Marcel Sabitzer, I am 100 per cent sure that he will help us,” Dortmund’s CEO Hans Joachim Watzke tells BILD. “Marcel is exactly the player we need in our midfield.”