Marcel Sabitzer will become the first Austrian to represent Manchester United following his deadline day loan move from Bayern Munich.
Erik ten Hag‘s Red Devils signed the 28-year-old midfielder on loan for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign as a result of Christian Eriksen‘s injury lay off.
United’s number 14 is expected to be out until late April with an ankle injury that he suffered as a result of Andy Carroll’s reckless challenge during the Reds 3-0 win against Reading in the FA Cup fourth-round.
The 68-time Austria international, who has a wealth of Champions League experience during his time with Bayern and Red Bull Leipzig, will be looking to hit the ground running at Old Trafford and bolster United’s somewhat depleted midfield.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Erik ten Hag finally brings an Austrian to Manchester United at the fourth attempt in Marcel Sabitzer
Marcel Sabitzer wasn’t the first Austrian international to be linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams during Erik ten Hag’s tenure.
In fact, Bayern’s number 18 is the fourth Austrian player to have been on the former Ajax manager’s radar since the 52-year-old took the reins.
Sabitzer’s international teammates Daniel Bachmann, Marko Arnautovic and Sasa Kalajdzic were all tipped to be M16-bound at some stage during the summer transfer window.
Watford goalkeeper Bachmann confirmed he held talks with the Red Devils about a summer switch.
But following Dean Henderson’s season-long loan to Nottingham Forest, United signed Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United before the Slovakian returned to St James’ Park last month.
Following Dubravka’s return to the Magpies, the Reds signed Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace for the remainder of the campaign.
The Athletic reported in August that Manchester United had abandoned their pursuit of Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic.
The Athletic added that “United received a number of complaints from fans about the idea of the club signing the 33-year-old.”
Several fans also reportedly emailed chief executive Richard Arnold directly to voice their disapproval in pursuing the former West Ham United and Stoke City forward.
Sky Sports reported that 6ft 7″ former VfB Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic was on United’s radar.
But the Reds didn’t move for the towering marksman, and he signed for Wolves for a fee of £15.5 million.
However, the 25-year-old’s Molineux career got off to the worst possible start as he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury on his debut.