How Marcel Sabitzer's forward role at United has improved

He is a great option for Manchester United as an advanced midfielder. The Austrian international first rose to prominence across Europe for RB Leipzig, when he was being deployed in a more advanced role, prompting Bayern Munich to spend money on the former Rapid Vienna man.

But after Marcel's move to the Bundesliga champions, where he was asked to play in a deeper position, his goals began to dry up. However, after trading Germany for England on transfer deadline day in January, Sabitzer has begun to rediscover the fine form that made him so revered on the continent.

Initially deployed in the same deeper role he filled in Munich, Erik ten Hag has promoted Marcel up the field in recent weeks and is already paying dividends. Former Reds Wes Brown and Dion Dublin spoke lyrically about the Austrian on our Matchday Review show after the final whistle on Thursday.

Sabitzer has been playing a bit taller, where he normally plays Bruno, but Bruno has played more of a holding role of sorts recently, Brown said. He just has a great understanding of the game. Knowing that there are players to play with him and his results were exceptional.

The statistics back it up

Throughout his career, our Marcel has registered more attack returns from a forward position, rather than playing deeper in midfield. So far, the Austrian international has played 275 appearances in the No. 10 spot or on the wing, participating in a total of 120 goals. That equates to approximately 0.43 contributions per 90 minutes. With Bruno suspended for our Europa League quarter-final second leg, and Ten Hag awaiting an update on Scott McTominay's fitness following his hit earlier this week, a trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Sabitzer in the engine room is now a real possibility for that accessory. Wherever he plays, let's hope Marcel continues to score goals.