Transfer Centre

Marcel Sabitzer open to permanent Manchester United move

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 13 February 2023

Sabitzer open to permanent Man United move

Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer reveals that he is open to the possibility of making a permanent switch to Old Trafford in the summer.

Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer has revealed that he is open to the possibility of making a permanent switch to Old Trafford in the summer.

The 28-year-old joined the Red Devils from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the final few hours of the January transfer window on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

Sabitzer was quickly identified as a transfer target by Erik ten Hag after learning that Christian Eriksen is facing around three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

The Austria international made his United debut as a substitute in the 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, and he has since started the last two matches against Leeds United in the absence of the suspended Casemiro.

A recent report claims that the Red Devils are keen to sign Sabitzer on a permanent basis next summer, and the midfielder has revealed that he is keeping his options open ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Manchester United's Marcel Sabitzer pictured during the warm up before the match on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sabitzer said: "It's a loan at the moment, that's all I can say. I like it here. I'm feeling very good here. I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere in Old Trafford. We will see what happens in the summer.

"It's been a busy few days. I had to come in quick but I enjoy it. I like it so far. The team welcome me very well. It was a bit of a cold start but I had to step in quick because of the Casemiro suspension. I'm ready for that and happy playing.

"You can feel it. From the first moment on, I felt very good in the team – good spirit, good goals, we're a good team. It's fun.

"The manager talking to me a lot, what he's expecting from me. I try to fulfil that. I'm feeling good with him and his tactics and I like it so far."

Commenting on his last two appearances for United, Sabitzer added: "Leeds away, as United, it's a big game. You have to win this game. We were ready for that, the intensity was good, we were good in the game. We missed a bit on Wednesday so we wanted to do it better, we did that.

Manchester United's Marcel Sabitzer with manager Erik ten Hag as he prepares to come on as a substitute on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

"We knew before it would be two tough games. In the Premier League, you have a lot of transition, you have to keep focused until the end. We did that quite well, we gave them no chance."

Ten Hag was full of praise for Sabitzer after making his debut against Palace, telling MUTV: "He understands football. You see it straight from the start. We have already seen that in the training as well, but yeah he did quite well.

"He's really composed on the ball and he knows how to defend so we need such a player who understands the game and will also bring the right spirit."

Sabitzer joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2021 but struggled to nail down a regular starting place under Julian Nagelsmann, starting only 11 of his 24 appearances for the German giants in the first half of this season before moving to Old Trafford last month.

The versatile midfielder previously spent seven years with RB Leipzig where he established himself as a key player, scoring 52 goals and registering 42 assists in 229 games across all competitions.