MARCEL SABITZER

by Silvio Scicluna

day, journalists asked Erik ten Hag whether United would dip into the market with the above scenario in mind. As always, the boss did not name any player in particular but did not deny that the club is always ready to pounce if the right opportunity to sign a player came up. However, as deadline day dawned there were still no solid reports linking United to any particular midfielder, apart from the usual fake news and unsubstantiated speculation. But as the day progressed news started filtering through from trusted sources over in Germany that United were interested in signing midfielder Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of the season. Soon enough this lead was picked up by the UK media and before you knew it, all the sports news television and radio stations plus the social media platforms were breaking this news. The moment I saw the clip showing Sabitzer on his way to the airport in Munich I knew that this was happening. And in all honesty I was very excited and hoping it would be sealed before the deadline because he is a really good player. In the end we did not have to wait until midnight because by early evening the deal was signed and Marcel Sabitzer was officially announced as a United player on a six month contract.

Marcel Sabitzer was born on 17th March 1994 so at 28 years of age is at the peak of his powers. He began his career in his native Austria with Admira Wacker, making 45 appearances and scoring 11 goals. He then moved to Rapid Wien where he stayed for only one season, 2013-14, again making 45 appearances and scoring 10 goals. He rose to fame when he got his breakthrough move to Red Bull group. He first played a season on loan at Red Bull Salzburg in 2014-15, making 33 appearances and scoring 19 goals and then went on to play for six full seasons between 2015 and 2021 for Red Bull Leipzig in Germany, making 177 appearances and scoring 40 goals. It was in Leipzig where Sabitzer really established himself as on of the best midfielders in Europe. By now he had become captain of the Austria national team for whom, to date, he has amassed a total of 68 international caps, scoring 12 goals. His fine and consistent showings earned Sabitzer a well-deserved move to a top club when in the summer of 2021 he signed for German and European giants Bayern Munich on a four year deal, reportedly for a transfer fee of €16 million.

I had always admired Marcel Sabitzer from afar. He has such a versatile playing style. Predominantly he excels as a central midfielder where he can play both as a holding midfielder, the typical number 6, or as a more advanced number 8. However he can also slot in as a number 10, and is also comfortable as a second striker (or a false nine) or on the flanks, either side of a striker. He has an eye for goal too, as his goalscoring ratio per appearances amply demonstrates. One quick search on YouTube will show you some of the spectacular long range strikes he has by now made a name for himself for.

At the time of writing this article, Sabitzer has played four times for United already. He came on as a substitute for his debut in the 2-1 home win over Crystal Palace. Incidentally, this match proved how crucial it was to have signed Sabitzer because Casemiro was sent off for a straight red card which automatically incurred him a three a significant improvement from the team in the away match at Leeds, Sabitzer included. In fact he had a crucial role in starting off the move that led to the first goal in a 2 0 win. He was unfortunately suspended for the first leg thriller against Barcelona at Old Trafford by way of three yellow cards previously amassed in European competition this season for Bayern. But Sabitzer immediately returned to the side for the 3-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford where he was instrumental in the first goal by winning the ball in midfield through his impressive counter press. match domestic suspension! Sabitzer then started the double header against Leeds. The first match at home ended 2 2 and the whole team was off colour, especially in the first part of the match. Thankfully, a point was saved and this was subsequently followed by

For some reason Sabitzer had fallen out of favour in Munich and could not force his way past the likes of Kimmich, Goretzka and Musiala for a starting spot in their midfield. It is being reported that Bayern Munich may be willing to listen to offers of around €20 million for the permanent transfer of Marcel Sabitzer next summer. If that truly is the case, for me it is a no brainer. Bayern’s loss is Manchester United’s gain and the club should go all out to make this transfer permanent.