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Erik ten Hag labels Marcel Sabitzer a ‘quality player’ with a ‘great attitude’ after the Austrian completed deadline day to move to Man United… as the Red Devils boss insists on he ‘needed’ the loan from Bayern Munich after a series of injuries
Erik ten Hag has praised new signing Marcel Sabitzer and insisted he “needed” the Austrian midfielder after Man United’s injury crisis.
The Red Devils pounced on the deadline day for the Bayern Munich midfielder and managed to secure a loan move that will see the 28-year-old stay at United for the rest of the season.
United have suffered a series of injuries recently, the latest being Christian Eriksen’s ankle problem, and ten Hag has insisted he is “really happy” to have hired Sabitzer to help tackle those issues.
Speaking after United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Nottingham Forest, ten Hag said: “We’re very happy with that transfer because we needed it after Donny van de Beek retired, now Christian Eriksen for longer. “.
“Also, I think for a shorter time, Scott McTominay won’t be available either. That gave us a shortage of midfielders, but bringing in a quality player on deadline day, that’s tough!
Marcel Sabitzer completed a deadline loan move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United
Erik ten Hag praised the Austrian midfielder following his late move to Old Trafford
‘So we had this opportunity. I know the player for a long time from Salzburg and especially from Leipzig, he played fantastic so I hope he does the same here.
“I think he has a great attitude, he’s at the right age and I’m sure this opportunity will motivate him a lot and he’ll perform for us.”
United are understood to have moved quickly for the Austria midfielder in the last 24 hours after news broke that Christian Eriksen would be sidelined until early May with an ankle injury.
Donny van der Beek has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season after knee surgery and Scott McTominay for two weeks with a muscle problem.
Speaking on the ride, Sabitzer said: ‘Sometimes in life you have to make quick and big decisions. From the moment I heard about this opportunity, I knew it was the right thing for me.
‘I’m a competitive gamer; I want to win and help the club achieve its goals this season. I feel that I am at my best as a player and that I can bring a lot of experience and energy to the squad.
“I’m excited to start with my new teammates and manager and show my qualities to the Manchester United fans.”
The Austrian international fell out of favor at Bayern but is hoping to make a big impact at Old Trafford and rediscover the old man who saw him shine at RB Leipzig.
The former RB Leipzig star was spotted in the crowd during United’s win over Nottingham Forest.
United signed Sabitzer after learning the extent of Christian Eriksen’s ankle injury
The Manchester United manager spoke after his team’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Goals from Anthony Martial and Fred helped secure the Red Devils’ place in the final, winning 5-0 on aggregate, and set up a thrilling encounter with Newcastle.
United fans are hoping to see their new star in midfield during their upcoming Premier League outing against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The midfielder registered just two goals and two assists in 54 appearances for Bayern Munich.