(Football news) Manchester United have signed Austrian international Marcel Sabitzer on loan without an option to buy from Bayern Munich until the end of the season. The Red Devils’ injury woes intensified after Christian Eriksen was ruled out with an ankle injury until at least April while Donny Van De Beek is already ruled out until the rest of the season and Scott McTominay is out for a few weeks. The club were considering free agent Isco as well as Atletico Madrid’s Saul Ninguez, Yannick Carrasico and Lyon’s Houssem Aouar but went with Sabitzer based on Ten Hag’s preference.
Sabitzer was also linked to Chelsea, who signed Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez. The player joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window of 2021 but has struggled with game time, starting only seven games in the Bundesliga this season. One of the reasons he might be Ten Hag’s preference is his versatility as he can play as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, second striker and winger during his career. Manchester United were also linked to his teammate Ryan Gravenberch but it appears that Sabitzer is a more like-for-like replacement for Eriksen due to his versatility. Sabitzer is comfortable with both feet, can progress the ball quickly, is good at protecting space and can cut off passing lanes.
“Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions. From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season. I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad. I’m excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.” – Marcel Sabitzer
Christian Eriksen was seen leaving on crutches following Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Reading. Speaking in a press conference ahead of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag admitted that it would be difficult to replace Christian Eriksen’s quality. The Dutchman said “He’s disappointed and we’re disappointed, but it happens in top football. You have to deal with it. We have players in midfield, good players, who can fill the gap. Every player has their own characteristics and identity. Eriksen brings top quality to our squad and some characteristics are hard to replace, for instance, his quality in the final third.”
