Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Marcel Sabitzer is in line to make his debut this weekend. The Red Devils host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday (February 4).
Sabitzer, 28, joined United from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day. The Austrian arrived on loan until the end of the season. He missed his new side’s 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday (1 February) as he was still dealing with the visa process.
However, Ten Hag confirmed that Sabitzer will be available for the clash with Palace and that he could start. The Dutchman said (via Football Daily):
“He’s only done one session but you can see he’s a very fit player. I think he’s ready to play. It could be (that he starts).”
🗣️ “He only did one session, but he is a really ready player. He’s ready to play.” Erik ten Hag on Marcel Sabitzer. 🇦🇹 https://t.co/HMtxhjWmwx
Sabitzer arrived at Manchester United in dramatic circumstances on transfer deadline day. The Red Devils had a major headache after Christian Eriksen was ruled out until early May with a knee injury.
Ten Hag needed a replacement for Eriksen, as his side still compete in four competitions: the Premier League, the Europa League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. They moved for Sabitzer and in a few hours he left the Munich airport for England.
The Austrian midfielder was more than happy to move to Old Trafford. He became a secondary player under Julian Nagelsmann at the Allianz Arena, unable to replace Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield. He made 24 competitive appearances, but only 11 in the first team, scoring one goal and registering an assist.
Manchester United are fourth in the Premier League, three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand. They face a 12th-placed Palace side, who drew 1-1 against United on January 19.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford won three awards in January
Manchester United’s impressive first season under Ten Hag has coincided with Rashford’s dramatic turnaround in form. The England striker endured a difficult 2021-22 season and reports of a potential exit followed over the summer.
However, he has put last season’s woes well and truly behind him, becoming United’s talisman under Ten Hag. The striker scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in 31 games. Rashford drew level with Dennis Viollet, becoming only the second Red Devils player to score in nine consecutive games at Old Trafford.
Last month couldn’t have gone better for me. Personally, this is the first time I have won these awards together and hopefully not the last. Thanks to my teammates, coaches, my family and fans for helping me win these awards. 🔴 #Premier League #ManUnited https://t.co/Aw9XD5iO6a
He was awarded both the PFA and Manchester United Player of the Month awards for January. The striker scored seven goals during the month. He was also awarded the club’s goal of the month for his superb strike against leaders Arsenal.