>
‘I knew it was the right thing for me’: Man United new boy Marcel Sabitzer insists he had no doubts about moving to Old Trafford on deadline day… as he vows to bring ‘experience and energy’ to Erik ten Hag’s inform squad
- Manchester United completed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day
- The midfielder arrives on loan for the remainder of the season from Bayern Munich
- Sabitzer claims he made a “quick and important” call, but insists it’s the right one
Manchester United new signing Marcel Sabitzer admits he had to make a “quick and important decision” to join Erik ten Hag’s team, but insists the move is “right” for him.
Sabitzer was confirmed late on deadline day and the Red Devils moved quickly after Christian Eriksen was ruled out for the next three months.
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.
New Man United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has said he made a “quick and important” call to join the club.
The 28-year-old will provide important midfield depth for Ten Hag in the coming months.
After a frantic deadline day run to United, Sabitzer explained how he was forced to make a quick decision on the move, but strongly believes he made the right decision.
“Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions,” Sabitzer told the club after his transfer.
‘From the moment I found out about this opportunity, I knew it was the right thing for me. I am 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 am excited to start with my new teammates and manager and show my qualities to the Manchester United fans.”
Marcel Sabitzer (back, centre) endured a hectic deadline day when he arrived to join United
Sabitzer was identified as the best option available, having made 443 club appearances across Europe, including 54 since joining FC Bayern from RB Leipzig.
The 28-year-old was eager to take the plunge and flew to Manchester from Germany on Tuesday for a medical. United filed the deal sheet before the 11 p.m. deadline and completed its loan move at midnight. Overall, the entire process is said to have taken 12 hours.
He will add more depth to United’s midfield after Donny van der Beek was ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery, while Scott McTominay will be out for two weeks with a muscle problem.
United’s main priority in this transfer window was to sign a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, and they achieved their goal by bringing in Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley.
Sabitzer (left) was photographed at the Munich airport on Tuesday ahead of a possible move
Sabitzer, who has fallen out of favor at Bayern, insists he believes he made the right move.
However, two more deals were forced upon them. The return of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to Newcastle meant Jack Butland was signed from Crystal Palace, and then Eriksen’s injury, sustained in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Reading, led the club to look for a new midfielder and Sabitzer was well known in the exploration department.
United director of football John Murtough said: ‘Marcel is a player we have watched for a long time. The opportunity came quickly and we knew he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.
“He adds more quality to our squad and dressing room experience, and all of us are delighted to welcome him to Manchester United.”