Manchester United have made a decision on a second signing after Marcel Sabitzer tonight.
Manchester United won’t make any other signings on transfer deadline day once Marcel Sabitzer completes his move from Bayern Munich. Speculation has been rife this evening over the prospect of a second arrival before the 11pm deadline, but United’s plans are now confirmed.
Man Utd won’t sign another after Marcel Sabitzer. (Image: GETTY)
The Red Devils are set to sign Sabitzer on a straight loan until the end of the season without an option to buy in his contract.
Erik ten Hag identified the 28-year-old midfielder as an ideal solution to a dilemma caused by Christian Eriksen’s injury diagnosis.
Eriksen is expected to be sidelined until last April at the earliest after suffering an ankle issue in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup win against Reading, joining Scott McTominay in the injury table.
And with Donny van de Beek also ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, Ten Hag’s latest blow left him with just two fit central midfielders – Casemiro and Fred.
It sparked suggestions that United could be eyeing a second midfield arrival after Sabitzer before the winter transfer window ends, but that isn’t the case.
According to the Telegraph, Sabitzer will be the club’s only deadline-day signing, and there is confidence that it will go through in time.
The update pours cold water over suggestions that United could make a last-ditch swoop for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, whose contract expires in July.
Reports also claimed the Old Trafford giants had been in contact with Eintracht Frankfurt about the possibility of recruiting Daichi Kamada, also out of contract this summer.
But Ten Hag will be delighted to add Sabitzer to his midfield regiment to cover the frustrating loss of Eriksen, the most used player of his maiden campaign as manager.
Houssem Aouar won’t be joining Man Utd today. (Image: Getty)
Sabitzer is set to become United’s third signing of the January transfer window and Ten Hag’s ninth since taking charge in M16 last summer.
Jack Butland joined on a six-month contract from Crystal Palace to replace summer signing Martin Dubravka, who was recalled from his loan by Newcastle United.
United then sealed another temporary deal for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst, snatching him from his loan at Besiktas.
Sabitzer fits the mould of player Ten Hag wants in his dressing room and is bound to be chomping at the bit to secure regular football after a frustrating spell at Bayern.
Man Utd warned new boy Marcel Sabitzer can be ‘the most unpleasant person to be around’
Marcel Sabitzer has signed for Manchester United on loan until the end of the season.
Manchester United players have been warned that new signing Marcel Sabitzer is not a player that you want to be around when his side loses. The midfielder has joined the Red Devils on loan until the end of the season to soften the injury blow to Christian Eriksen.
United are fourth in the Premier League and joint on points with third-placed Newcastle. Erik ten Hag will feel that finishing in the Champions League spots is the very minimum that his side should achieve, as well as pushing to win both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
His hopes were handed a hammer blow on Saturday though after Eriksen sustained an ankle injury following a challenge from Reading forward Andy Carroll. The Denmark international will be sidelined for at least three months, leaving United short of midfield options.
Ten Hag demanded that his side dipped into the loan market for a quick fix for his problem, with the club quickly striking a deal with Bayern Munich for Sabitzer. According to Florian Plettenberg, the Austria international will certainly bring a competitive edge to the squad as he is ‘the most unpleasant person to be around’ when he is not playing.
Marcel Sabitzer has a nasty streak (Image: Getty)
The 28-year-old also, obviously, ‘hates losing’ and has a ‘killer’ character. Sabitzer is likely to provide a nasty streak in the club and be a leader on and off of the pitch, which may be required in the push for silverware.
After signing for the club, he said: “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 am excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”
Christian Eriksen has been ruled out for at least three months (Image: Getty)
United were reportedly keen to negotiate to insert a buyout clause into the contract of the midfielder, though Bayern declined the request and wanted to retain his services. He has made 15 Bundesliga appearances for the club so far this season, scoring one and assisting another, prompting the German side to feel he has more to offer at the Allianz Arena.
The signing also was given the seal of approval from United legend Rio Ferdinand, who told his Five podcast: “I’m absolutely delighted. If I could go and get a short-term replacement at the drop of the hat for Eriksen, Sabitzer is a player that you’d say: ‘Oh if I can get him I’d take him.’
“I’ve watched a hell of a lot of this player when he was at Leipzig in the Champions League – he played with [Christopher] Nkunku and the guys there, and he was sensational – integral to everything they’ve done there. Yes, he’s gone to Bayern Munich and hasn’t torn it up there on a regular basis, but the players he’s behind are household names. I think he will be a really good signing.”
Source: express.co.uk
