Marcel Sabitzer is playing ‘with more confidence’ since joining Manchester United, according to Austria manager Ralf Rangnick.
Sabitzer joined United on the last day of the January window to provide cover for Christian Eriksen after his ankle injury, joining from Bayern Munich on loan until the end of the campaign.
The 29-year-old scored his first goal for the club in the final game before the international break, putting the Red Devils in front as part of their comeback win over Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
He continued that goal scoring form with two goals in the 4-1 win over Azerbaijan in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday, also providing an assist for Austria.
Assessing the midfielder’s display, Rangnick, who served as United’s interim manager last campaign after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal, insisted Sabitzer was ‘the difference’ in that win.
‘He has a lot more confidence than when he was at Bayern,’ Rangnick said.
‘Nobody dropped out in this game, but of course you can say that Sabi was the difference player after scoring two goals and preparing one.’
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Sabitzer has played nine matches for United since arriving in January.
With Casemiro set to miss United’s next three league games as a result of the red card he was shown against Southampton, the Austrian midfielder could have a key role to play in the coming weeks.
The January signing had a minor injury lay-off in the weeks leading into the international break but ten Hag welcomed his return ahead of the season run-in.
‘He had a great performance,’ Ten Hag said of the Bayern Munich player after the 3-1 over Fulham.
‘We are glad he is back from injury. ‘We will be playing a game every three days between now and the end of the season so we need as many fit players as possible.’
