Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that the club are "really happy" to have been able to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich.
The Austria international completed a loan switch to Old Trafford on deadline day, and he could potentially make his debut for the Red Devils in Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
Man United had not planned to move for a new midfielder in January, but Donny van de Beek is out for the rest of the campaign following knee surgery, while Christian Eriksen will be missing until the end of April due to an ankle problem.
Scott McTominay is also currently on the sidelines through injury, which led to the club bringing in Sabitzer for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign.
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The team's new arrival was in the stands at Old Trafford for Wednesday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg with Nottingham Forest, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Ten Hag's side.
"We are really happy with that transfer because we need it after Donny van de Beek dropped out, now Christian Eriksen for a longer time and also, I think for a short time, Scott McTominay is also not available," Ten Hag told reporters on Wednesday.
"So that gives us a shortage of midfield players. But then to bring a quality player in on deadline day that is difficult, and we got this opportunity.
"I think you see the first half that Eriksen, when he's not there, it's a different dynamic in the team. It doesn't have to be worse. Only the team has to adapt and that takes time. But time we don't have [time]. The next game is already coming. We have two days and then the Premier League will restart.
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"I know the player already a long time from [RB] Salzburg. Especially from [RB] Leipzig. He performed fantastically, so I expect that he will do the same here.
"I think he has a great attitude; he is at the right age, and I am sure this opportunity will motivate him greatly and he will perform strongly for us."
Sabitzer has struggled to secure regular starts for Bayern this season, but he has still made 24 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist in the process.
The Austrian was a late substitute in Bayern's 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on January 28, an he will be in contention to make the squad against Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Matt Law
