Manchester United confirmed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich overnight to conclude their January transfer activity.

United’s transfer window looked to be done a while back. Indeed, Erik ten Hag’s side had gone without signing anyone on a permanent deal all window, only loaning in Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst.

That, coupled with the manager’s belief that deadline day deals are “difficult” seemed to mean he would not pursue anybody.

However, with the revelation that Christian Eriken’s injury means he’ll be out for months, the Dutchman clearly wanted to sign cover.

That’s no surprise, given how effective the Dane has been in the heart of the midfield. Eriksen has played the second-most minutes of an outfielder at United this season, behind only Bruno Fernandes.

His influence has been clear in terms of attacking output, too. His seven assists are the most of anyone in the Premier League other than Kevin De Bruyne this season.

While the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay could deputise alongside Casemiro, United will miss Eriksen’s creativity.

As such, Ten Hag identified Bayern Munich midfielder Sabitzer as a target on deadline day.

Sabitzer signs

The transfer has moved at a very fast pace. After reports of United’s interest – along with interest from Chelsea – on Tuesday, things gathered pace and never looked like slowing.

As soon as personal terms were put to the midfielder, it was reported he agreed ‘immediately’ as he was apparently eager to work with Ten Hag.

As negotiations between the two clubs were ongoing, Sabitzer reportedly got on a plane to Manchester.

While he was likely still in the air, Fabrizio Romano gave the ‘here we go’, which is generally a stamp of authenticity on a transfer.

Just after the transfer deadline, United confirmed they had agreed to take Sabitzer on loan just in time.

Sabitzer said on their club website: “Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions.

“From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season.

“I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad. I am excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”

Bayern loanee an apt Eriksen replacement

In terms of fitting into the gap that Eriksen leaves, it seems Sabitzer is the ideal player to do that. While at Bayern he hasn’t had a massive impact, that is mostly down to a lack of game time.

During his time at RB Leipzig, though, he showed he was a very dynamic midfielder. He was directly involved in just shy of 100 goals in 229 appearances.

Within that was a best tally of 16 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

As such, it doesn’t seem United standard will slip much at all with Eriksen being out of the equation for a while.

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The article Marcel Sabitzer tells Man Utd he’s at his ‘peak’ after deadline-beating arrival from Bayern Munich appeared first on Teamtalk.com.