Opinion: How Sabitzer's advanced role has improved United

The Austria international first rose to prominence across Europe for RB Leipzig, when he was being deployed in a more forward role, prompting Bayern Munich to splash the cash on the former Rapid Vienna man.

But after Marcel's move to the Bundesliga champions, where he was asked to play in a deeper position, his goals started to dry up. However, after switching Germany for England on transfer deadline day back in January, Sabitzer has started to rediscover the fine form that made him so revered on the continent.

Initially deployed in the same deeper role he occupied in Munich, Marcel has been moved up the pitch by Erik ten Hag in recent weeks and it is returning dividends already.

Former Reds Wes Brown and Dion Dublin waxed lyrical about the Austrian in our Matchday Review show following the full-time whistle on Thursday.

"Sabitzer has been playing a little bit higher, where Bruno normally plays, but Bruno has played in sort of the holding role more recently," said Brown. "He just has a great understanding of the game. Knowing that there's players there to play him in and his finishes were exceptional."

Dion agreed, explaining how Sabitzer is showing his quality in the more advanced role:

"When you get into that position, you have a finish in mind as that ball is approaching you, and you have to make a decision on what finish you're going to use and what touch you're going to use. He chose correctly on two occasions.

"The runs were good, he executed them comfortably. We are now seeing another part of his game that I didn't quite think he had. Getting closer to the centre-forward, getting into good positions, with pace and control as well. His goals tonight were very good, very well taken."

THE STATS BACK IT UP

Throughout his career, our Marcel has recorded more attacking returns from a forward position, as opposed to playing deeper in the midfield.

So far, the Austria international has played 275 matches in either the no.10 spot or on the wing, being involved in a total of 120 goals. That equates to roughly 0.43 contributions per 90 minutes.

In comparison, he has 28 goals or assists in 101 matches when playing as a no.6 or a no.8. The drop off in his effectiveness in this position is stark, with only 0.27 contributions per game.

Marcel's impact when playing in an advanced role is undeniable. Our no.15 is slowly establishing himself as a vital cog in Ten Hag's machine, and has now put in three impressive appearances in quick succession, against Brentford, Everton and Sevilla.

Despite the return of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro from injury and suspension, respectively, the Austrian could play alongside them in a midfield three, due to Erik's willingness to use Fernandes - who has become accustomed to playing deeper recently - out wide on occasion.

With Bruno suspended for our Europa League quarter-final second leg, and Ten Hag awaiting an update on the fitness of Scott McTominay following his knock earlier this week, a trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Sabitzer in the engine room is now a real possibility for that fixture.

Wherever he plays, let's hope Marcel keeps banging in the goals!