Manchester United have completed the loan signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
The Bayern midfielder had emerged as a late target for Erik ten Hag following confirmation that Christian Eriksen will be missing until April with injury.
Sabitzer was then pictured at Munich Airport this afternoon, before he arrived at United’s Carrington training ground this evening ahead of signing a temporary deal at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
After the signing was completed, Sabitzer said: ‘Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions. 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.
‘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 deal is just a loan, with no option to buy Sabitzer when his spell ends in the summer.
The Red Devils were desperate to strengthen their midfield after Eriksen picked up an ankle injury after a forceful challenge from Andy Carroll during United’s 3-1 FA Cup win against Reading on Saturday.
Eriksen is set to miss the next three months and Austrian international Sabitzer emerged as a target as the 28-year-old searched for more game time.
Sabitzer has found himself frozen out at the Allianz Arena this season and has not started a game since before the World Cup in early November – during their 2-0 Champions League win against Inter Milan.
Sabitzer adds quality to Erik ten Hag’s midfield alongside the likes of Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Fred and Bruno Fernandes.
He has played 54 times since arriving at Bayern in 2021, scoring twice, but has struggled to nail down regular first team football.
Sabitzer started just eight times in the Bundesliga last season, coming off the bench 17 times – scoring once and providing one assist.
