Manchester United football director John Murtough has explained the club’s late move for Marcel Sabitzer.
United confirmed the move for the Bayern Munich midfielder, who has signed on loan for the rest of the season
Sabitzer strengthens United’s midfield options at a critical point in the season, just when injuries were beginning to pile up.
The 28-year-old explained he feels he is at the peak of his career and is confident he can have a big impact.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Murtough on Sabitzer
Speaking to United’s official website, Murtough confirmed that Marcel Sabitzer is a player United have had an eye on long before this transfer window.
He said that the deal came together very quickly, and United were confident the midfielder was the right man to add to the squad.
Murtough explained: “Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time. The opportunity arose quickly, and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.
“He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to Manchester United.”
BILD reported in March 2021 that United were interested in Sabitzer, however, at this time his eyes were firmly on signing for Bayern Munich.
Sabitzer ended up being unable to force his way into the line-up on a regular basis at Bayern, but he was an important squad player, with 23 appearances this season including featuring in all six Champions League group stage games.
The move was accelerated by the news of Christian Eriksen’s injury, which will keep him out until at least April.
It obviously helped that United had already done their research on Sabitzer. This is a shrewd move, and one that United pulled off at breakneck speed.
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