Marcel Sabitzer was a surprise and welcome transfer deadline day signing for Manchester United. The Austrian comes in to replace Christian Eriksen, who is out with injury.
It’s unclear how soon the midfielder will be available to make his debut. United won’t want to wait too long, with a Scott McTominay injury adding to the lack of options in midfield.
With Eriksen out, Sabitzer has a chance to establish himself as a first choice midfielder ahead of Fred and McTominay. There is a strong chance he does, and who wouldn’t love to play alongside Casemiro?
At the end of February, Erik ten Hag will be due to select his strongest team, when United contest the Carabao Cup final. So what will it look like?
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Manchester United’s strongest XI
David de Gea is Manchester United’s best goalkeeper, there is little debate. There is a little more to discuss in other positions around the team.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s recent form has really shown how he is beginning to develop under Erik ten Hag. However it is hard to look past Portugal star Diogo Dalot, who is soon to return from injury and was superb in the first half of the season.
Likewise at left-back, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are fairly even. On balance of his experience, Shaw would get the nod, but it’s tight.
United are also blessed with options at centre-back. You could even make the case for Shaw at this position. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are the most reliable pairing, and most likely to start the final.
Casemiro is also a shoe-in for midfield, while Marcel Sabitzer could establish himself alongside him. The Austrian has the all-round game and goal threat to be a real asset for this team, and of course, Bruno Fernandes completes the three man midfield.
In attack, Marcus Rashford is the only nailed-down option on the left. The other two positions are open to debate. This shows how far Rashford has come from the start of the season, when there was a big question mark over him.
Centrally Anthony Martial should still get the benefit of the doubt over Wout Weghorst. United look stronger when he is in the XI, he just needs to stay fit.
On the right Antony is a regular and has shown in recent games that there is a lot more to come from him. Jadon Sancho has a chance to re-take this role. Let’s see what he can do over the next few weeks and months.
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