Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is flying to the UK to agree a loan deal from Bayern Munich to Manchester United.
The 28-year-old is available during the current transfer window, and after Christian Eriksen’s long injury and a short-term problem for Scott McTominay, United explored the prospect of a loan.
At Tuesday’s press conference, United manager Erik ten Hag said it was “difficult” to get deals done on deadline day.
However, Ten Hag is well known at Bayern Munich due to his time as a second-team coach there, and this relationship could help speed up the process.
Without Eriksen, who has been ruled out until the end of April with an ankle injury, and McTominay, Ten Hag has just two fit central midfielders for the upcoming games against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace this week. next.
Kobbie Mainoo, 17, is highly regarded at United but is unlikely to be regularly put at risk at first-team level. Zidane Iqbal, 19, also plays in midfield, but the Iraq international is yet to make his first appearance this season.
Under these circumstances, a move for Sabitzer makes perfect sense for United, who remain in all four competitions and have held a 3-0 lead since the first leg before their Carabao Cup semi-final tie-breaker with Nottingham Forest. at Old Trafford. Wednesday.
Sabitzer spent six seasons at RB Leipzig, captaining the side in 2020-21, before joining Bayern on a four-year deal in August 2021.
He also scored 12 goals in 68 appearances for Austria.
Analysis – Ten Hag not ready to let injuries jeopardize his progress
Ten Hag’s problem is clear.
Eriksen’s absence until the end of April is a blow. McTominay’s are making the problem worse, although the Scottish midfielder may only be out for a few games.
That leaves United with just two central midfielders – Casemiro and Fred – and four competitions to go, potentially 33 games.
United will certainly play twice a week until March, and it could go beyond that if they are not knocked out of the Europa League.
Ten Hag is not ready to risk the progress made at United this season due to lack of body.
So, the Dutchman has returned to his old club to try and sign an experienced international, who looks like he could do a job for United like Wout Weghorst.
No one can claim that Sabitzer is on a list of long-term goals. However, if United can sign the 28-year-old, at least Ten Hag can be sure they have enough players to guide him through the crucial part of the campaign without having to rely on teenagers Mainoo and Iqbal.
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