Bruno Fernandes gives his verdict on Manchester United’s deadline day signing Marcel Sabitzer

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Manchester United attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes has welcomed the arrival of deadline day signing Marcel Sabitzer.

The 28-year-old, who will spend the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich, will have had the opportunity to meet Fernandes and his new teammates for the first time today.

The 68-time Austria international was sat in the Old Trafford directors box to watch his new side beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 last night, and advance to the Carabao Cup final 5-0 on aggregate.

Sabitzer, who was officially unveiled as a new Manchester United player today and will wear shirt number 15, will be hoping to make his Red Devils bow in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at the Theatre of Dreams.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Bruno Fernandes gives his verdict on Manchester United’s deadline day signing Marcel Sabitzer

Fernandes will be hoping to strike up a fruitful partnership and understanding with Sabitzer, in the same way he did with Christian Eriksen before the Dane was ruled out until late April with an ankle injury, following Andy Carroll’s reckless challenge.

Due to the length of Eriksen’s injury, and with Donny van de Beek already ruled out long-term, United acted swiftly to sign the former Red Bull Leipzig midfielder.

Fernandes has contrasting memories of pitting his wits against the Austrian. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United beat Leipzig 5-0 at Old Trafford, in a game which Sabitzer came off the bench.

But Leipzig won the reverse fixture 3-2 at the Red Bull Area, which resulted in the German side qualifying for the Champions League last-16 at United’s expense.

Sabitzer, who started the second game between the two sides, set up Leipzig’s opening goal.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about the arrival of Sabitzer, Fernandes said: “He’s a good player, a really good midfielder.

“He can shoot from outside of the box, he can score great goals. He’ll give us more options in the midfield while Christian is injured. He’s another one who’ll make it difficult for everyone in the team to have a place.

“Even for him, he knows he has to push himself to the highest level to be playing for us now and everyone that is starting today – for example me, Casemiro and Fred. We know it costs a lot to have a place in the team and we have another one fighting for that position so we have to give our best.

“We’re really happy to have him, we think he can help us. Tomorrow I’ll be with him, I’ll talk a little bit with him and see. I think he’s fully fit, he’s been playing, so hopefully he’ll help us a lot.”