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Manchester United have confirmed that on-loan midfielder Marcel Sabizter’s season is over due to a knee injury.
The Austrian has played a big part in Erik ten Hag’s midfield since joining on loan from Bayern Munich during the January transfer window. Now, it appears he may have played his last game for the Red Devils after suffering a meniscus injury.
“Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has suffered a meniscal injury which will, unfortunately, rule him out for the remainder of the season,” a statement released by Man United said.
“Everyone at the club is disappointed to lose Marcel’s services, as the Reds chase a strong finish to the season in the Premier League and FA Cup, and we are grateful for his contribution to our progress so far,” it read.
Christian Eriksen’s injury necessitated the signing of Sabizter, who replaced the midfielder in the first team for much of the second half of this season.
Ten Hag acted swiftly in the closing hours of the January window in order to close the transaction. Since joining the team, he has made 18 appearances and scored three goals, including a pair against Sevilla in the Europa League.
He will now join Lisandro Martinez as another of the Ten Hag recruits whose debut season with the club has ended prematurely due to injury.
Martinez was having a successful season before an injury sidelined him until the summer. United will now be without both players as they attempt to finish in the top four and defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at the beginning of June.
Sabitzer: ‘I’ve Found My Place Here’
It is currently unknown whether United will make Sabitzer’s tenure at Old Trafford permanent. There was no pre-existing option to make the contract permanent, but there is a possibility a move can be made.
Speaking last month, the midfielder seemed to suggest that United only intended to follow through on his loan agreement.
“Manchester United made it clear that my loan was [a] project until the summer, then we’ll see. Until then, I want to give everything here. Then in the summer, the whole situation will be evaluated,” he told Bild.
“Of course, my thoughts are on Manchester United, especially with the trust I get from Erik ten Hag – it’s very positive,” he added, “I’ve found my place here.”
“Now I know the Premier League and can say there’s nothing better.”
Bayern are reportedly willing to facilitate the player’s departure, as he has never made the grade at Allianz. The German giants paid slightly more than £14 million for his services in 2021 and would like to recoup the majority of that if he were to depart.
Ten Hag: Sabitzer ‘Suits The Dressing Room Well’
Ten Hag has also hinted he would be keen to sign Sabitzer permanently.
“He’s doing fantastic,” the manager said last month.
“He’s adjusted well to Manchester United and the Premier League. He is a great person and suits the dressing room well,” he explained.
“He’s an intelligent player and we’re happy with his role at this moment.”
Nonetheless, a recent report indicates that United are prioritizing a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Ten Hag was in control last summer when club representatives traveled to Turin to sign the Frenchman but returned empty-handed.
One year later, Rabiot is poised to become a free agent, and according to L’Equipe, the Red Devils are desperate to reach an agreement. However, they would face Premier League competition, as Newcastle United are also rumored to be interested.
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