Bayern Munich’s Sporting CEO Hasan Salihamidzic has explained why the German giants allowed Marcel Sabitzer to join Manchester United on deadline day.
The 28-year-old has joined the Red Devils on loan for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign after two of Europe’s biggest clubs struck an agreement.
After receiving the news that Christian Eriksen will be out of action until April with an ankle injury, the twenty-time league champions acted swiftly to sign the Austrian midfielder on a temporary basis.
The former Red Bull Leipzig midfielder, who is managed by former United interim manager Ralf Rangnick at international level, had made 24 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this season.
Hasan Salihamidzic explains why Bayern Munich allowed Marcel Sabitzer to join Manchester United on deadline day
The 68-time Austria international made the move to the Allianz Arena in 2021 after spending six years at Leipzig where he established himself as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe.
Since joining the serial Bundesliga winners, he has made 54 appearances for Bayern, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
Explaining why Bayern allowed Sabitzer to make the move to Old Trafford, Salihamidzic told the club’s website: “Manchester United expressed an interest in Marcel Sabitzer at the beginning of the week.
“Marcel told us he would like more playing time and he’s confident he will get that at United.
“After consultation with our coach Julian Nagelsmann, we accepted the request and have loaned Marcel to Manchester United until 30 June. We wish him every success for the second half of the season with United.”
Sabitzer, who played under Nagelsmann at Leipzig, has a contract with Bayern until 2025.
His shirt number for Manchester United is yet to be confirmed, and he could make his debut in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.