Marcel Sabitzer has joined Manchester United on loan from Bayern Munich for the rest of the season
Manchester United will be without Christian Eriksen for a number of months.
The Danish midfielder, who’s been something of a revelation since joining on a free transfer in the summer, suffered a nasty ankle injury in the Red Devils’ recent FA Cup tie with Reading.
A reckless tackle from Andy Carroll was the cause and the striker’s actions have been heavily – and deservedly – criticised.
Due to Eriksen’s long-term injury, on top of Donny van de Beek’s lengthy absence, United had to act quickly on deadline day to bring in a suitable replacement.
They were linked with a number of midfielders and eventually secured the acquisition of Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on loan.
It’s a signing which has intrigued United fans. While Sabitzer has struggled at Bayern since joining from RB Leipzig, he still has a glowing reputation.
At Leipzig, Sabitzer was revered as one of the best midfielders in the business. In 229 games for the club, he scored 52 goals and contributed 42 assists.
Read more – Marcel Sabitzer: Man Utd man scored one of the most aesthetically pleasing goals ever in 2019
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – AUGUST 05: Marcel Sabitzer of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern München at Deutsche Bank Park on August 05, 2022 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
If he can replicate something close to that level of output in a United shirt, the 28-year-old will be a very popular man at Old Trafford.
Sabitzer could make his United debut on Saturday afternoon, when the team do battle with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
And to further whet the appetite of supporters for the game, popular performance analyst @EBL2017 has created a detailed Twitter thread explaining why the Austrian is actually a ‘more complete version of Eriksen’.
From more defensive nous to increased physicality in the middle of the park, it makes for a very interesting read…
Thread: Is Sabitzer more complete than Eriksen?
Try not to get too excited, United fans!
What has Erik ten Hag said about Sabitzer signing?
“I know the player already a long time from [RB] Salzburg,” Ten Hag said in a recent press conference, per United’s official website.
“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.”
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.