Sabitzer open to making permanent Man Utd transfer from Bayern Munich

Suraj Radia

• 13 Feb 2023 20:46 GMT
• 3 min read

Marcel Sabitzer has revealed he is open to making his loan stay at Manchester United a permanent one after a bright start to his career at Old Trafford.

The Austrian signed from Bayern Munich on deadline day until the end of the season and there is no option to buy in the loan deal, however the Bundesliga side are willing to sell Sabitzer.

The 28-year-old has started United’s last two games and is expected to play a major part for Erik ten Hag’s side in the second half of the season, with Christian Eriksen set for an extended period out through injury.

DREAM: Why Sabitzer is the ideal replacement for Eriksen

Sabitzer admitted he has enjoyed his short spell with United so far despite a ‘cold start’, having replacing the suspended Casemiro in the line-up on the back of just one minute of football since November.

“It's a loan at the moment, that's all I can say,' Sabitzer said. “I like it here. I'm feeling very good here. I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere in Old Trafford. We will see what happens in the summer.

"It's been a busy few days. I had to come in quick, but I enjoy it. I like it so far. The team has welcomed me very well. It was a bit of a cold start but I had to step in quick because of the Casemiro suspension. I'm ready for that and happy playing.

"You can feel it. From the first moment on, I felt very good in the team – good spirit, good goals, we're a good team. It's fun.

"The manager is talking to me a lot, what he's expecting from me. I try to fulfil that. I'm feeling good with him and his tactics and I like it so far."

What does the future hold for Sabitzer?

Sabitzer has two years remaining on his contract at Bayern but the German side are believed to be keen on cashing in on the midfielder, with Konrad Laimer set to replace him.

Laimer has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Bayern from Leipzig in the summer, meaning Sabitzer – who was already on the fringes of Julian Naglesmann’s team – will find himself further down the pecking order.

Sabitzer has made just 15 Bundesliga starts for Bayern since also joining from Leipzig in 2021 for €16 million and he could be allowed to leave for a similar fee in the summer.

However, while United are targeting a midfielder, they may look to focus their resources of players such as Frenkie de Jong, having missed out on the Barcelona man last year.

REACTION: Man Utd fans excitement at Sabitzer performances

United also wish to bring in an elite striker, with Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane believed to be on their short list, and with both players set to command a fee in excess of £100m, Sabitzer may find himself having to wait for departures at Old Trafford if the club do wish to make his move permanent.