"I've hardly seen him like this" – Lothar Matthaus names Manchester United flop as Euro 2024 player of the tournament
Germany great Lothar Matthaus has named former Manchester United ace Marcel Sabitzer as the best star of the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024.
Sabitzer, 30, is currently relishing a brilliant campaign for Austria at the Euro 2024, contributing a goal and an assist in three matches. He helped Ralf Rangnick's side finish atop Group D with six points, while France finished second and Netherlands sealed a third spot.
In his column for German outlet Sport.de, Matthaus lauded the former Manchester United midfielder's outings. He wrote (h/t Bulinews.com):
"My player of the tournament so far is Marcel Sabitzer. I saw him live in Berlin during Austria's 3-2 win over Holland. His speed, his lightness, his finesse, the way he uses his teammates, the way he works in the back, the speed with which he plays forward – I've hardly seen him like this in [Borussia] Dortmund. Sabitzer stands out in this impressive Austrian team."
Heaping praise on Austria's style of play at the Euro 2024, he added:
"They finished ahead of France and the Netherlands and weren't the worst team in the 1-0 defeat to France. This team does and executes what the Dutch and French do not: speed on and off the ball. This is Ralf Rangnick's style. What is striking is that even the players from the Austrian league, who have little international experience, are convincing. That's fun."
Sabitzer, who featured in 40 outings for Borussia Dortmund last season, endured a sub-par loan spell at Manchester United in the 2022-23 season. He recorded three goals and an assist in 18 appearances all across competitions, including 11 starts, for the Red Devils.
Manchester United mulling over signing of Euro 2024 star, suggests Fabrizio Romano
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Fabrizio Romano suggested that Manchester United are holding internal discussions ahead of launching a move to sign Joshua Zirkzee. He said:
"[There is] still no agreement between Milan and the agents of the player on the commission. So, the deal is still on standby between Milan and Joshua Zirkzee. Manchester United are informed. United are deciding internally, what do they want to do for the striker."
Zirkzee, who is yet to appear in a Euro 2024 contest for Netherlands, has emerged as an in-demand striker due to his outings for Bologna last season. He bagged 12 goals in 37 matches for the Serie A outfit.
Should the Dutchman join the Red Devils, he would provide top-notch competition to Denmark star Rasmus Hojlund in the number nine role.