Ten Hag has high hopes for “quality player” Sabitzer

Marcel Sabitzer watched Manchester United’s 2-0 home win over Nottingham in the English League Cup semi-final second leg from the stands. Whether the 28-year-old Styrian makes his debut in the Premier League home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday also depends on whether the “formalities” after his loan move from Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening are completed in time.

For coach Erik ten Hag, Sabitzer is a “quality player”. According to his own statements, the 53-year-old Dutchman has followed Sabitzer’s development since his time in Salzburg. From there, the 68-time ÖFB team player switched to Leipzig after just one season in the summer of 2015, before the transfer to Munich followed at the end of August 2021. “He put in fantastic performances, especially in Leipzig, and that’s exactly what I expect from him here,” said ten Hag. Sabitzer brings a great attitude and is the right age. “I’m also sure that the opportunity to play here will motivate him a lot and he will bring strong performances for us.”

“We needed him urgently”

As soon as the right to play arrives, the midfielder will quickly play a key role – also due to a personnel shortage at the “Red Devils”: Donny van de Beek will not play again this season due to a knee injury, Christian Eriksen will be out until the end of April due to an ankle injury or early May. Scott McTominay is also unavailable for two or more weeks. “So we’re very happy with the transfer, we needed it badly,” said Ten Hag.

Spring gets intense. The overall 5-0 triumph over Nottingham made it into the final of the League Cup, which will be played against Newcastle on February 26 at London’s Wembley Stadium. The club is in the round of 16 in the FA Cup and in the round of 16 in the Europa League. In fourth place in the Premier League, Manchester United are level on points behind Newcastle and on course for a place in the Champions League. This was possible thanks to twelve wins in the last 14 competitive games.