Bayern's stance on Sabitzer's Man Utd transfer request

Stuart Telford

• 2 Apr 2023 10:22 BST
• 3 min read

Marcel Sabitzer joined Manchester United on loan from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, but the Germans have since had a change in manager with Thomas Tuchel replacing Julian Nagelsmann.

Sabitzer has quickly endeared himself to the Red Devils faithful with his energetic performances in central midfield, and player and club(s) were understood to be keen to make the deal permanent.

But there was some worry at Old Trafford that the landscape had changed in Munich after Nagelsmann was sacked and replaced by Tuchel, most recently of Chelsea, especially with no clause to make the loan permanent inserted in Sabitzer's current contract.

READ: Ten Hag has rejuvenated one Man Utd star, claims Rangnick

But it seems a change in manager hasn't made for a change of heart at Bayern.

'Decision as good as made'

"It is still highly likely that the midfielder will leave Bayern in the summer," reports Sport1's Kerry Hau. "The decision is as good as made.

"Sabitzer feels very comfortable in Manchester and also gets along well with United coach Erik ten Hag. Even the recent change of coach at FCB doesn't change the fact that the Austrian international no longer sees his future in Bavaria."

Sabitzer only made seven Bundesliga starts for Bayern in the first half of the season, even though Leon Goretzka spent much of the campaign struggling with injury.

READ: McTominay tipped for Rangers transfer by Man Utd legend

That he was restricted to the bench having been a favourite of Nagelsmann's when the pair were at RB Leipzig was something of a surprise, even if Joshua Kimmich is one of the world's best in his position.

Bayern expect to receive up to €20 million for Sabitzer, who is rated at €24.7m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, and the player will reportedly seek a move to another Premier League club if United don't stump up the cash.

United could use the strength in depth, however, with Christian Eriksen a more attacking player by trade ad Scott McTominay reportedly for sale despite his Scotland form.