Marcel Sabitzer proved why Manchester United signed him vs Leeds

Following Casemiro’s red card, Marcel Sabitzer was brought into the Manchester United line-up for two gruelling matches against rivals, Leeds United, so what have we learnt?

He made his United debut against Crystal Palace and was brought on to help 10-men United secure three points, following Casemiro’s red card. His job that day was the basics - to work hard and close down space, then retain possession when United won the ball back.

With United short of midfield options, Sabitzer made back-to-back starts against Leeds, alongside Fred in midfield.

Read more: United have a new game-changer after Leeds win

Leeds at Old Trafford

Sabitzer was deployed as a lone number six in a testing game for United. He worked hard, but looked isolated at times both on and off the ball, not helped by the inability of Fred to retain possession.

As United went behind within the opening minute, Fred and Bruno Fernandes pushed forward to search for an equaliser, isolating Sabitzer, who struggled to impact the game defensively, capped off when he was forced to take a yellow card after Fred was dispossessed.

He was more effective offensively, both with his chance creation and shots himself. His passing was solid if lacking invention, but a strong save from Illan Meslier was needed to prevent him from opening his United account in the first half.

Leeds at Elland Road

Despite a chaotic midfield performance from Fred and Sabitzer at Old Trafford, they were retained for the return fixture.

Fred played in a deeper role, closer to Sabitzer, which helped Sabitzer when in possession. Sabitzer did remain the deeper of the two midfielders, often dropping into a back three with Shaw and Maguire when building up.

Fred and Fernandes both dropped