Can Marcel Sabitzer (29, Manchester United) fill the void left by Christian Eriksen (31, Manchester United)?
Manchester United (hereafter Man United) drew 2-2 with Leeds United in the ‘2022-2023 Premier League Round 8 Tournament’ held at Old Trafford, Manchester’s home stadium, England, on the morning of the 9th (Korean time). With 43 points, United are in third place. Leeds are 17th in the league and still in danger of relegation.
Eriksen, who is second in the league with seven assists this season, has been at the center of Manchester United’s rise. However, on the 29th of last month, against Reading, Eriksen suffered a serious ankle injury due to Andy Carroll’s tackle. Eriksen was diagnosed as unable to play until at least the end of April and was effectively ‘season out’.
Man Utd, which was looking for a replacement just two days before the January transfer window deadline, quickly recruited Mercy from Munich on loan. Sabitzer made his Manchester United debut as a substitute in the 36th minute of the second half against Arsenal on the 5th 메이저사이트. It was an emergency blood transfusion in a situation where he was sent off until Casemiro in the 25th minute of the second half.
Xavicher got his first start against Leeds and teamed up with Fred. He showed his presence with a left-footed turning shot in the 31st minute of the first half. The shot exploded at an exquisite timing that the defender did not predict. The goalkeeper managed to avoid the risk of conceding a goal. Xabicher unfortunately missed a chance to score on his Manchester United debut.
Sabitzer received a yellow card in the 35th minute of the second half and played 82 minutes before being replaced by Lindelof. Considering that it was his first start, it was a decent performance. However, there was no pass as sharp as Eriksen’s.
Whoscored.com gave Mercy a 6.9 rating. With Casemiro unable to play due to his exit from the last game, it was an income just for him to protect Manchester United’s midfield.