Marcel Sabitzer names two biggest Manchester United dressing room qualities

Marcel Sabitzer scored the crucial goal as Manchester United booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford.

A unique second half saw Fulham receive three red cards in a matter of minutes after Willian was judged to have denied Manchester United and Jadon Sancho a goalscoring opportunity with just 15 minutes left to play.

The winger was shown a red card for the action before Aleksandar Mitrović was then sent off for pushing the referee. Manager Marco Silva received a red card moments prior for shouting at the referee, too.

Read More: Five talking points as Manchester United defeat Fulham 3-1 (FA Cup)

Marcel Sabitzer grabbed the goal to give United the lead with 10 minutes left to play, with the goal being his first for the club.

Speaking to MUTV after the fixture, Sabitzer emphasised how much the squad wanted to return to Wembley.

“There was a lot in the game. 1-0 down, two red cards, a penalty, a comeback,” Sabitzer said. “We were very focused and we wanted to go back to Wembley. We did it and that’s the most important thing.

“First of all, I think we played a good first half, had some chances and missed them. After half-time, we came out, we conceded a goal, that’s not what he wanted. We knew it would be tough and hard but we still believed.”

He also cited two key traits from the United dressing room which he believes were the key to overcoming the deficit caused by Mitrović’s second-half opening goal.

“I think we have a good team spirit and mentality – you can always see that on the pitch. The fans were amazing, they pushed us forward and we’re very happy today. To be fair, I have to say, two men down for Fulham is not easy.

“So it was a bit easier for us, but we have a good team spirit, a good group of guys. You can feel it in the dressing room, on the pitch and off it. As I’ve said, we stick together all the time and we’re very happy with the result.”

When asked about how he felt scoring his first goal, Sabitzer described the emotions he felt after turning in Luke Shaw’s low cross.

“I was overwhelmed, I was looking for it,” he added. “Scoring my first at Old Trafford, in front of the amazing fans and it’s an important goal. 2-1 is a massive one. I couldn’t reach it with my right foot, I just tried to hit it with my left and it worked out.

“Before the game, we were very focused on going back to Wembley and we’ve done it. We’ll be ready to go to the final.”