‘I smiled every day’ - Marcel Sabitzer assesses Manchester United loan spell
The midfielder says he was "impressed" by the set-up at Man United and felt he gave a good account of himself.
Marcel Sabitzer says he proved doubters wrong during his Manchester United loan spell last season, stating his time at Old Trafford boosted his confidence.
The Austrian scored three goals in 18 outings after arriving on January deadline day to provide cover for Christian Eriksen upon his long-term ankle injury. His season was ended by a knee injury and United ultimately decided against signing him permanently upon the end of his loan.
Sabitzer has now left former parent club Bayern Munich for Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund after a tough period at the Allianz Arena. The 29-year-old had only started 20 of his 54 matches for the German champions prior to his loan at United.
Critics had suggested he was not cut out to play for a big-hitter prior to his mid-season switch but Sabitzer said he believes he has dispelled that theory this year. Speaking to Dortmund club media, the playmaker said: “I remember a lot of things from my time at Manchester United.
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“I was very impressed by the fact of having played for a club of such stature. I had a smile every day at the thought of being there and playing.
“It's also because I had playing time [at United] that I found my rhythm and my self-confidence. I showed good things there and that has an impact because a year and a half ago everyone doubted me. When you can prove again that you can play a part in big clubs like this, it's good for confidence.”
Sabitzer - who started 11 of his 18 games under Erik ten Hag - could make his Dortmund debut against United in Monday’s friendly in Nevada, USA. The midfielder has already enjoyed a fruitful pre-season after netting five goals in Bayern’s 27-0 dismantling of minnows Rottach-Egern prior to his exit.
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