Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'unlikely to sign Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer permanently'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 July 2023

Man United 'unlikely to sign Weghorst, Sabitzer permanently'

Manchester United are not expected to sign Burnley's Wout Weghorst or Bayern Munich's Marcel Sabitzer a permanent basis this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly 'unlikely' to bring Wout Weghorst or Marcel Sabitzer back to the club on a permanent basis during this summer's transfer window.

Both players arrived at Old Trafford on loan in January, with Weghorst moving from Burnley following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, while an ankle injury suffered by Christian Eriksen led to the club moving for Sabitzer, with the Austrian arriving from Bayern Munich.

Weghorst made 31 appearances for the Red Devils but only managed two goals and three assists, and the 30-year-old is currently preparing to begin pre-season at newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley.

Sabitzer, meanwhile, saw his season cut short due to a knee injury, but he still made 18 appearances for the 20-time English champions, scoring three goals and registering one assist.

Man United released a statement on Friday which appeared to suggest that the two players would not be returning to the club for the 2023-24 campaign.

Marcel Sabitzer celebrates scoring for Manchester United on April 13, 2023 © Reuters

"In terms of incoming loans at United, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst are due to return to Bayern Munich and Burnley, respectively," read the message on the club's official website.

"Both made telling contributions to our Carabao Cup success and clinching a top-three place in the Premier League, with Weghorst supplying the assist for Marcus Rashford's goal in the final win over Newcastle United at Wembley.

"Sabitzer scored twice in the home Europa League tie with Sevilla, after opening his account in the Emirates FA Cup comeback against Fulham, but missed the run-in due to a knee problem."

According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United are yet to fully rule out either player returning, but it is seen as 'unlikely' at this stage of proceedings.

Manchester United's Wout Weghorst in action with Barcelona's Jules Kounde on February 16, 2023 © Reuters

The Red Devils are planning to move for a new striker this summer, but Weghorst's struggles for goals in the second half of the campaign mean that a deal is not expected to occur.

Sabitzer's future is currently being called into question, with Barcelona believed to have been offered the chance to sign him from Bayern this summer.

Mason Mount is set to arrive at Old Trafford in a £60m deal from Chelsea, but there could be midfield sales, with Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek all being linked with departures.

A move for Sabitzer is therefore not impossible, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag thought to have been pleased with his contribution after arriving on loan.

Man United will be back in pre-season training on Monday to prepare for the new Premier League campaign, which opens for them against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14.