Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer will be a “really good signing” for Erik ten Hag.
Sky Germany report the Red Devils are in talks with the German giants over a deadline day move for the former Red Bull Leipzig midfielder.
With Christian Eriksen ruled out until at least April with an ankle injury, Ten Hag has acted swiftly and identified the Austrian as the man he wants to replace United’s number 14 in the short-term.
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the twenty-time league champions are in “pole position” to sign the 28-year-old ahead of Chelsea, and Bayern’s number 18 has arrived at Munich airport.
Rio Ferdinand reacts to Manchester United being in talks with Bayern Munich to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan
Ferdinand gave his reaction to the news that Sabitzer could be Old Trafford bound on FIVE’s transfer deadline day podcast.
Ferdinand said: “I’m absolutely delighted. If I could go and get a short-term replacement at the drop of the hat for [Christian] Eriksen, [Marcel] Sabitzer is a player that you’d say ‘oh if I can get him I’d take him’.
“I’ve watched a hell of a lot of this player when he was at Leipzig in the Champions League – he played with [Christopher] Nkunku and the guys there, and he was sensational – integral to everything they’ve done there.
“Yes he’s gone to Bayern Munich and hasn’t tore it up there on a regular basis, but the players he’s behind [in the pecking order] are household names.
“I think he will be a really good signing – really experienced player, played in big games in the Champions League and he knows his way round a football pitch.
“For what Manchester United need in the short window they had to sign a player – they couldn’t have done any better, so well done Manchester United’s recruitment team.”
Jamie Carragher reacts to Christian Eriksen injury blow
While Sky Sports pundit felt Eriksen’s injury was a “big blow”, the former Liverpool defender didn’t believe it would derail United’s top four hopes.
Carragher said: “A big blow because I think the midfield has been the biggest turnaround I think for Manchester United this season in terms of Casemiro being there, Eriksen coming in alongside him and Fernandes in front.
“So they’ve had a great little trio for a lot of the season, so I do think that will be a blow.
“I mean they’ve got Fred and McTominay there who have been much maligned over the last couple of years – I think a lot of that has been harsh.
“I think Fred alongside Casemiro – you’re talking about Brazil’s central midfield over the last few years.
“It’s a blow for Manchester United but United aren’t going to win the league, and I don’t think they’re going to fall out of the top four either, so I don’t think it’s a massive blow that’s going to massively effect them in terms of where they finish this season, because I think they’re playing that well now that I don’t see them dropping outside of the top four now.”