Diogo Dalot called Manchester United teammate Marcel Sabitzer a "machine" in the wake of his side's victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Unai Emery's men headed to Manchester full of confidence having gone unbeaten in their previous 10 games, though their hopes of securing European football for next season suffered a blow as Bruno Fernandes' first-half strike saw the Reds claim all three points.
The win means United now have a seven-point cushion over their nearest challengers for a place in the top four and they also hold at least one game in hand over the teams in and around the Champions League qualification places.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag hails Casemiro following Aston Villa victory
Erik ten Hag has stressed throughout the campaign that United would need a strong squad if they were to compete for major honours, and the mid-season arrival of Sabitzer has certainly added quality to United's midfield options.
The Austria international has scored three goals in 16 appearances for the Reds this season but is yet to open his Premier League account. Nonetheless, his efforts are clearly appreciated by his teammates, with Dalot calling the 29-year-old a "machine" when responding to a photo uploaded to social media shortly after the win over Villa.
It remains to be seen whether Sabitzer and Dalot will be teammates for any longer than the half-season they have spent with each other at Old Trafford. The Bayern loanee's temporary stay at United is set to come to an end this summer, but MEN Sport understand Ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield options.
Should Sabitzer return to the Allianz Arena at the end of the season, he will do so with at least one winner's medal in his back pocket. The Austrian was part of the United squad that beat Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final in February, and he could yet add another piece of English silverware to his collection as United prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3.
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