Manchester United have completed the loan signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
Sportsmail reported earlier today that the Bayern midfielder had emerged as a late target for Erik ten Hag following confirmation that Christian Eriksen will be missing until April with injury.
Sabitzer was then pictured at Munich Airport this afternoon, before he arrived at United’s Carrington training ground this evening ahead of signing a temporary deal at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has completed a loan move to Manchester United
United acted quickly after Christian Eriksen was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury
After the signing was completed, Sabitzer 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.’
John Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, added: ‘Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time. 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 outlined his excitement after his move to Old Trafford was confirmed by United
Sabitzer (left) was pictured at Munich Airport earlier on Tuesday ahead of a potential move
Sabitzer has fallen out of favour at Bayern and has struggled for gametime so far this season
The deal is just a loan, with no option to buy Sabitzer when his spell ends in the summer.
The Red Devils were desperate to strengthen their midfield after Eriksen picked up an ankle injury after a forceful challenge from Andy Carroll during United’s 3-1 FA Cup win against Reading on Saturday.
Eriksen is set to miss the next three months and Austrian international Sabitzer emerged as a target as the 28-year-old searched for more game time.
Sabitzer has found himself frozen out at the Allianz Arena this season and has not started a game since before the World Cup in early November – during their 2-0 Champions League win against Inter Milan.
Sabitzer adds quality to Erik ten Hag’s midfield alongside the likes of Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Fred and Bruno Fernandes.
He has played 54 times since arriving at Bayern in 2021, scoring twice, but has struggled to nail down regular first team football.
Sabitzer started just eight times in the Bundesliga last season, coming off the bench 17 times – scoring once and providing one assist.
Marcel Sabitzer (back, centre) then landed in England ahead of joining Manchester United
He made a name for himself at RB Leipzig with some impressive displays between 2014 and 2021.
The 28-year-old appeared 229 times in total for Leipzig, netting 52 goals in the process before earning a £14m switch to Bayern.
Ten Hag was quizzed on bringing in a replacement for Eriksen during his press conference on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, but admitted that it would be difficult to sign anyone before the transfer window closes.
‘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. We have players who can fill the gap,’ Ten Hag had said.
The 28-year-old will provide important midfield depth for Ten Hag over the next few months
‘I think you can never fill that (gap) because every player has his own characteristics and identity.
‘Another player will always fill in in a different way, but it doesn’t mean you have to be less successful.’
United are still keen on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and knew a permanent signing for Sabitzer could impact their interest in the Holland international this summer.
However, in the meantime, the 68-capped Austrian will also provide much-needed depth for United as they head in to a hectic period, with Ten Hag’s side still competing in all four competitions and facing eight games in February alone.
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