Erik ten Hag gives verdict on Marcel Sabitzer’s chances of facing Crystal Palace

Add as preferred source on Google

Erik ten Hag has conducted his pre-match press conference before Manchester United’s clash with Crystal Palace.

The two sides are facing each other for the second time in a matter of weeks, following the 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park last month.

Michael Olise’s stoppage time free-kick denied United all three points on that occasion and a better result is hoped for here.

Since that game, United have signed Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day to account for the injury absence of Christian Eriksen until late April at the earliest.

Erik ten Hag press conference before United v Palace

When asked if the midfielder will be in the matchday squad, he said: “Yes.”

There was then a question about how the midfielder is looking in training, Ten Hag said he is ready to play, adding: “(He is looking) very good. He [Sabitzer] has only had one session, but you can see he’s a very fit player.

“Coming from Bayern Munich, I didn’t expect anything different in Germany, their players is always good. He’s ready to play.”

Another question came about whether Sabitzer may start, and he replied: “He’s a really smart player and we gave him some guidance. He knows what to do, he knows the job and he could do (start the game).”

Sabitzer’s arrival was a response to the injury absence of Christian Eriksen, who will be out until late April at the earliest after a heavy Andy Carroll challenge on Saturday against Reading.

With Donny van de Beek also out, and Scott McTominay struggling for fitness, that only adds to the imperative for the Austrian to hit the ground running.

Fred has come in and done well at various times this season, but his skillset is better suited to arriving as a substitute and adding energy, or a more disciplined defensive detail against another elite club.

Tomorrow, United need craft and guile to unlock Palace and Ten Hag made it clear he wants a better performance than he got at Selhurst Park a matter of weeks ago, and Sabitzer starting may well help to get that.