Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old emerged as a surprise deadline day target for the Red Devils following the news that Christian Eriksen will be sidelined for as long as three months with an ankle injury.
Sabitzer flew from Munich to Manchester to undergo his medical and thrash out a deal, with Bayern giving him permission to leave the club on loan.
Man United needed to submit a deal sheet to get the transfer over the line, eventually confirming his arrival more than an hour after the 11pm deadline had passed.
"Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions. From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me," Sabitzer told the club's official website.
"I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season. I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad.
"I am excited to start with my new teammates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans."
Welcome to United, Marcel Sabitzer 👊#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 1, 2023
Man United's football director John Murtough added: "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."
The deal to bring the Austria international to Old Trafford is understood to be a straight loan until the end of the campaign, with no option or obligation to make the move permanent in the summer.
Sabitzer still has two years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena but has struggled for regular first-team football at Bayern this season due to the presence of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka as competition for the midfield places.
The former RB Leipzig captain will not be eligible to feature in United's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, but could make his debut in the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Barney Corkhill
