Manchester United’s Marcel Sabitzer has been named captain in Austria’s starting line-up to take on Azerbaijan this evening.
The 29-year-old will don the armband when he steps out at the Raiffeisen Arena under former United interim coach Ralf Rangnick.
It is Austria’s first match of the March international break, with their second coming on Monday, March 27 against Estonia at 7.45pm.
Sabitzer’s first United goal
Before jetting off on international duty, Sabitzer opened his United goalscoring account when facing Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals. His crucial goal poked the Reds ahead and sent them on their way to the competition’s semi-finals, in which they will face Brighton and Hove Albion.
Given Casemiro’s four-game suspension, Sabitzer will be utilised heavily when club action resumes to hold down the defensive midfield role in the Brazilian’s absence.
Also in action tonight is Victor Lindelof, who captains Sweden against Belgium, whilst Tyrell Malacia and Wout Weghorst are on the bench for the Netherlands against France.
Erik ten Hag deserves the plaudits for turning Manchester United’s fortunes within such a short of having assumed the managerial post.
Of course it comes at a huge investment of new players. But to get them to blend and perform as a compact and hardworking team is no easy achievement.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !