Marcel Sabitzer names crucial Manchester United midfielder who 'holds team together'

Marcel Sabitzer believes Manchester United's midfield quality has been key to their success this season, describing Casemiro as the man who 'holds the team together'.

Sabitzer only became part of the United midfield in January, signing from Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of this season after Christian Eriksen's ankle injury saw him ruled out for nearly three months. The Austrian has impressed in his 16 appearances in red, particularly in a role behind the striker from which he has registered two goals and an assist.

Sabitzer has seen a much-varied midfield unit during his three months at Old Trafford, with Eriksen only returning in April while both Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have both served suspensions.

ALSO READ: Every word from Erik ten Hag's pre-Brighton press conference

Casemiro's absence for his two bans after being sent off against Crystal Palace and Southampton was sorely felt in the United midfield, with the Brazilian's leadership in the spine of the team not replicated by anyone else at the club.

"He is an experienced player who has won everything at global level that can be won," Sabitzer told Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg of Casemiro. "And he has done it several times. There's no need to talk about his value, because he's an exceptional player, he holds the team together. He's a leader on the pitch. I think we have extremely high quality in midfield right now. That's why we're in the position we're in now.“

Sabitzer's availability throughout the last three months has been crucial amid suspensions and injuries elsewhere. United have played 22 times since the Austrian's debut in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in February and he has featured in 16 of those matches.

READ NEXT

Exclusive: United