Sunderland star is exactly what Peter Crouch believes Manchester United are missing
Sunderland will travel to Old Trafford on Saturday, buoyed by confidence.
Regis Le Bris' Sunderland ensured their best start to a Premeir League season in their 1-0 away win at Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Granit Xhaka continued his excellent return to the Premier League as he provided the assist for Omar Alderete's headed goal and earned Sunderland their first three points on the road in the Premier League campaign.
Xhaka's next role as captain is to take Sunderland to Manchester as they look to enact further misery on Ruben Amorim's team, who have had a well-documented grim start to the season.
Peter Crouch lauded the Swiss international as someone the weekend's opponents are crying out for.
Sunderland have a better captain than Manchester United
Le Bris named Xhaka as his captain ahead of Sunderland's return to the top flight, and the armband looks like it's right where it should be.
The same cannot be said for Manchester United's skipper, Bruno Fernandes.
Peter Crouch praised Sunderland's midfield general and claimed he is someone United needs in their dressing room.
Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, he said: "Compare it [Fernandes' leadership] to Granit Xhaka on the other side, Sunderland, it just looks like he’s a real leader, right? And they’ve signed some good players, Sunderland, at the start of the season, I felt like they could stay up.”
Crouch doubled down on his statement, making a bold claim ahead of Saturday's clash between the clubs.
"There's a real opportunity to make a name for themselves and go to Old Trafford and get a statement win," he added.
A win on the weekend would be Sunderland's first at the stadium since a Sebastian Larsson-inspired 1-0 triumph in 2014.
However, Le Bris' team isn't being backed to get the three points, but based on recent form, it appears anything is possible for the spirited Red and White Army.
Granit Xhaka will play a key role against Manchester United
Xhaka's leadership ability has been vital in Sunderland's success so far this season, but don't let that take away from what he is doing with the ball at his feet.
- Xhaka has assisted all of Sunderland's last three goals.
- He ranks fifth among Premier League midfielders for total interceptions with seven.
- No Sunderland player has completed more long balls or accurate passes
- The ex-Arsenal ace is first in the Sunderland rankings for key passes and big chances created.
Known for his ability to dictate play and break up opposition attacks, Xhaka has proved to be a creative spark for his new club.
With Manchester United's midfield frailties, Xhaka could take advantage and take control of the game.
Sunderland fans will bring the good vibes to Old Trafford as they hope to watch their team add insult to injury on the Red Devils' terrible start.
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