Manchester United have signed midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season, the clubs announced Tuesday.
United moved for Sabitzer after Christian Eriksen was ruled out for at least three months with an ankle injury. Eriksen’s absence has left manager Erik ten Hag short of options in midfield with Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay both sidelined.
“Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time,” Man United football director John Murtough said.
“The opportunity arose quickly, and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact. He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to Manchester United.”
Sabitzer has lost his place at Bayern in recent months and is keen to join United. The 28-year-old becomes United’s second January signing following the arrival of striker Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley.
“Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions,” Sabitzer said. “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.”
Sabitzer has made 54 appearances for Bayern since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a fee of €16 million. He has a contract at Bayern until 2025 but sources have told ESPN he is set to leave the club permanently in the summer.
Speaking about possibly signing a replacement for Eriksen on deadline day, Ten Hag told a news conference: “On deadline day it’s difficult. You can’t make policy on such bad injuries but we have players in the midfield department, good players, and we have players who can fill the gap.
“We have a strategy and we keep the strategy. We want to restore Manchester United to where they belong. We are in a good direction and it also has to match our financial frames.”
Source: www.espn.com
