United were even interested in another Bayern Munich midfielder.
On Tuesday, Manchester United secured the deadline day signing of Marcel Sabitzer, on loan until the end of the season, as a quick response to the news that Christian Eriksen would be out until the end of April.
Erik ten Hag had, early on Tuesday, told reporters that deadline day deals are often not worth the hassle but he, and United, was forced to act with Eriksen joining Scott McTominay on the sidelines. The club reportedly [Football365] reached out to Leicester about Youri Tielemans and [Independent] another Bayern player, Ryan Gravenberch, but deals could not be done.
Ten Hag coached Gravenberch at Ajax and was interested in bringing in a familiar face, on loan. When the Germans rejected that notion, United pressed on with Sabitzer.
Once the Eriksen news came out, around lunchtime on Tuesday, United were contacted by clubs, and agents, of four other midfielders. Three of them will be familiar to United supporters, having long been linked with moves to Old Trafford.
On Sky Sports, reporter Dharmesh Sheth revealed that the 20-time league champions had been offered Isco (Real Madrid), Houssem Aouar (Lyon) and the Atletico Madrid pairing of Saul Niguez and Yannick Carrasco before opting for Sabitzer.
Isco, Saul Niguez, Houssem Aouar & Yannick Carrasco have all been offered to Manchester United today.
But the club have decided to pursue a deal for Marcel Sabitzer instead. pic.twitter.com/q9JfSXNato
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2023
After the deal was completed, Manchester United football director John Murtough said, “Marcel Sabitzer 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.”
Marcel Sabitzer and his teenage trial at Bayern Munich
Marcel Sabitzer went on trial with Bayern Munich at the age of 14 but failed to impress and was considered so bad that his agent apologised to Bayern’s head of youth football at the time, Werner Kern.
Speaking in 2021, Kern told TZ: “He trained as badly as I have ever experienced. That was a disappointment — even his agent apologised to me at the time.
“His performance was not due to his ability. We have nothing to reproach ourselves for. After all, we scouted him. But if someone presents himself like that, you can’t take him.”
Even though he didn’t impress the first time round, Kern admits that the 28-year-old has improved significantly.
“I have followed Marcel’s path closely,” he added. He has become a first-class Bundesliga player, has also matured into a leading figure in the national team. A great development! He got the best out of it for himself. Years later, what belongs together has now come together.”
The midfielder is unlikely to make his debut against Nottingham Forest in United’s EFL Cup semi final second leg tie, but could be included in the side to face Crystal Palace this weekend.
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