Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on loan for the remainder of the season.
They have reportedly agreed on personal terms with the player, who is now set to fly to Manchester to complete his medical ahead of a proposed loan move.
The Red Devils contacted Bayern Munich over a move for Marcel Sabitzer earlier on Tuesday following confirmation that Christian Eriksen will miss around three months with a serious ankle injury. Sabitzer, 28, has not been a regular in Bayern’s starting XI this season, starting just seven out of 15 Bundesliga games so far. Overall, he has made 24 appearances, registering a goal and an assist.
The Austria international is said to have been keen on making the move to Old Trafford to join up with Erik ten Hag’s side, who are fourth in the Premier League and fighting in multiple cup competitions. It is believed that Sabitzer will move to Man United on loan until the end of the season, with no indication of whether there will be an option or obligation to buy.
Christian Eriksen’s injury a big blow for Man United
Since signing on a free transfer from Brentford in the summer, Christian Eriksen has been a key player for Manchester United. However, the Mancunian giants have just been dealt the blow of losing the Danish midfielder until later in the season.
Eriksen, 30, picked up an ankle injury during Man United’s 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup fourth round earlier last weekend. It was Andy Carroll’s reckless scissor challenge from behind that saw the United midfielder being forced off the pitch during the second half before being spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches.
The Denmark international’s injury has left Ten Hag with Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay as the only senior options in midfield. Set to be out until late April, the 30-year-old will miss key fixtures for the Red Devils including an important Europa League knockout tie with Barcelona in February.
Man United closing in on Marcel Sabitzer
Man United have seemingly acted quickly to replace Eriksen, who, up until now, has featured in 31 matches in all competitions, with Marcel Sabitzer on his way to Old Trafford from Bayern.
Predominantly a box-to-box midfielder, Sabitzer’s extreme versatility allows him to operate in multiple positions which Ten Hag’s side could hugely benefit from. He is a crisp passer of the ball, a tenacious tackler, energetic and a leader—on and off the pitch. The Austrian can create opportunities from deep and is a specialist in set-pieces.
During his time with RB Leipzig, Sabitzer racked up 94 goal contributions in 229 outings, which tells the quality of player United are about to get. With Ten Hag and co. set to cover a lot of games from now on and until the end of the season, the 28-year-old’s signing on a short-term deal is simply ideal for United.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.