Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag claims the club are happy to have been able to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich for the remainder of the season.
The Austria international completed a loan switch to Old Trafford on deadline day. Depending on his visa, Sabitzer could make his debut for United in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
It has been well documented that United did not intend to sign a new midfielder in January, but injuries to Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek forced the club into an emergency search for an adequate replacement. I would argue they’ve done exactly that by signing Sabitzer on a temporary deal.
Sabitzer was spotted in the stands at Old Trafford for Wednesday night’s win over Nottingham Forest as United secured their place in the Carabao Cup final.
Speaking after the match, Ten Hag stressed that he has signed a player with a great attitude.
“We are really happy with that transfer because we need it after Donny van de Beek dropped out, now Christian Eriksen for a longer time and also, I think for a short time, Scott McTominay is also not available,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by The Mirror.
“So that gives us a shortage of midfield players. But then to bring a quality player in on deadline day that is difficult, and we got this opportunity.
“I think you see the first half that Eriksen, when he’s not there, it’s a different dynamic in the team. It doesn’t have to be worse. Only the team has to adapt and that takes time. But time we don’t have [time]. The next game is already coming. We have two days and then the Premier League will restart.
“I know the player already a long time from [RB] Salzburg. Especially from [RB] Leipzig. He performed fantastically, so I expect that he will do the same here.
“I think he has a great attitude; he is at the right age, and I am sure this opportunity will motivate him greatly and he will perform strongly for us.”
The Austrian midfielder made 24 appearances for Bayern Munich this season but is set to have a starting role at United for the next three months. We are all excited to see what Sabitzer can bring to the team.
