Man Utd sign Bayern midfielder Marcel Sabitzer - Austrian joins Old Trafford side on loan

Manchester United have completed a surprising last-minute signing in the January transfer window, after picking up Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on loan for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old Austria international has made the move to Old Trafford as a like-for-like replacement for the recently-injured Christian Eriksen, who was recently ruled out for the foreseeable future with an ankle injury. The loan deal does not include a clause to make the move permanent.

“Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions," said Sabitzer in an interview with the club website. "From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season." He added: “I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad. I am excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”

The Premier League giants were expected to have a quiet end to the January window, but were forced to find reinforcements following Eriksen's injury. Coupled with an injury to Scott McTominay, it meant Erik ten Hag would have been left with just three fit central midfielders for three starting roles. Sabitzer, who can play as a holding playmaker or as a more traditional No.8, will likely offer an immediate improvement in the team's midfield options, while providing Sabitzer with some much-needed game time. 

Sabitzer made his name in the Bundesliga after joining RB Leipzig in 2014 and working his way up the club’s ranks to become a key midfielder and regular starter for the Saxony club. In 229 appearances for the club, the Austrian midfielder picked up 52 goals and 42 assists before making a €15 million move to Bayern Munich in 2021. However, as shown by the player’s loan move to Old Trafford, Sabitzer struggled for game time in the Bavarian capital and has elected to head to England for the promise of more game time.