Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has praised Marcel Sabitzer for his contribution to Saturday's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Austria international only arrived at Old Trafford on deadline day, having made a loan move to the 20-time English champions from Bayern Munich, but he was named in the squad against Palace.
Sabitzer was introduced for his debut in the 81st minute, replacing Antony, and he helped the Red Devils navigate their way to all three points, with the hosts having to survive some late pressure after a Casemiro red card and 76th-minute from Jeffrey Schlupp.
Ten Hag has said that the midfielder 'understands football' and hailed his 'composure on the ball'.
"He understands football. You see it straight from the start. We have already seen that in the training as well, but yeah he did quite well," the Man United boss told MUTV.
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"He's really composed on the ball and he knows how to defend so we need such a player who understands the game and will also bring the right spirit."
The 28-year-old could now be in line for his full debut against Leeds United on Wednesday, as Casemiro will be suspended for the contest.
The Brazilian was dismissed for putting his hands around the neck of Palace midfielder Will Hughes, with a bust-up occurring between the two players after Schlupp had barged Antony off the pitch.
"I've seen the incident, where the Crystal Palace player takes a big risk to bring an injury to Antony and then the emotions got really high, for several players," Ten Hag continued.
"And then they pick one player out, so I think they could have picked more players in such an incident and then the VAR is interfering. This is what I don't understand because then you have to be consistent.
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"I have so many occasions this season where they didn't interfere so I was disappointed but we have to take it. Our players have to behave, they have to control their emotions, but I'm happy that we have the spirit and we stand for each other."
Ten Hag has said that he 'loved many things' about the performance of his side at Old Trafford.
"I love many things. First of all, the quality of the game. In the first 70 minutes, we played a really good game on the pitch, in the possession, the formations and the passing security," said the Dutchman.
"The defensive transitions and the counter press were also brilliant and I think we dominated the game. I think we deserved the lead and especially the second goal was a great goal to see."
Bruno Fernandes had sent Man United ahead against Palace with an early penalty before Marcus Rashford got his name on the scoresheet in the 62nd minute, making it 19 strikes for the season for the England international.
Matt Law
