Marcel Sabitzer produced a stunning display to help Austria get their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign off to a good start on Friday night, beating Azerbaijan 4-1 in Linz.
Sabitzer, who joined Manchester United on loan from Bayern Munich for the remainder of the season at the end of the January transfer window, scored twice, including a stunning free-kick, and grabbed an assist to wrap up a comfortable victory for Ralf Rangnick's side.
He swept the ball home for the game's opening goal after 27 minutes, connecting with Christoph Baumgartner's cut-back, before smashing home an unstoppable free-kick just five minutes after half-time to make it 3-0. It was an impressive showing from the United loanee, who scored his first goal for the Reds against Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend.
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Sabitzer was deployed in the No.10 position against Azerbaijan, enabling him to pull the strings and dictate the game. He bossed proceedings and that was highlighted by his two goals and his assist for Baumgartner to get on the scoresheet and net Austria's fourth goal of the evening.
Although his overall performance was encouraging to say the least, earning deserved plaudits from the natives and United supporters watching from afar, it was his sensational free-kick from 25 yards that flew into the top corner that generated the most attention - and deservedly so. It was a stunning hit that any player would have been proud of.
Unsurprisingly, United's supporters quickly took to social media to praise the 29-year-old's strike, calling for him to become the Reds' new set-piece taker. They also waxed lyrical about his general showing and Rangnick's ability to get more out of him.
Below, MEN Sport has taken a close look at what they had to say:
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