Manchester United will now see ‘every bit of value’ coming out of the Marcel Sabitzer deal due to their midfield issues, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Red Devils managed to bring in the 28-year-old on a short-term loan deal on transfer deadline day from Bayern Munich and he could make his first start for the club imminently.
Manchester United news – Marcel Sabitzer
Key midfielder Christian Eriksen was ruled out of action until at least late April following a strong challenge from Reading striker Andy Carroll during United’s FA Cup fourth-round victory.
“While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May,” a club statement read.
United’s hierarchy consequently made the decision to bring in Sabitzer, who was struggling for game time at Bayern, and he is likely to play a key role for the club over the coming weeks.
That’s because Casemiro is facing a three-game ban after being sent off last time out against Crystal Palace for grabbing Will Hughes with both hands around the collar.
That has left Fred, Scott McTominay and Sabitzer as the only available central midfielders available for Erik ten Hag to call upon for the double-header against Leeds United and the visit of Leicester City.
What has Jones said about Sabitzer?
When asked how much of a worry Eriksen and Casemiro’s enforced absences will be for Ten Hag, Jones disclosed that he believes Sabitzer will now come to the fore.
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In an interview with GMS, he said: “I think it just underlines the importance of that deadline day signing of Sabitzer.
“So, I think that now we’ll see every bit of value coming out of that deal. It was a really good piece of business to do in that moment in such a short space of time.”
How good is Sabitzer?
Sabitzer, who earns £165,000-per-week, established himself as one of the top players in the Bundesliga during his time with RB Leipzig by racking up 94 goal contributions in 229 outings.
However, the 5 foot 10 ace struggled to replicate that level of output for Bayern, scoring just two goals and providing the same number of assists in 54 games for the Bavarian giants.
As per FBref, Sabitzer has still ranked in the 99th percentile for total shots, 93rd for progressive passes received, 91st for non-penalty expected goals and tackles, and 81st for touches in the attacking penalty area amongst his positional peers over the last year.
United will surely be hoping that Sabitzer can get back to his best as soon as possible, helping the club in their quest for silverware and a top-four finish.
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