01 February 2023 , 13:19
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Erik ten Hag was prepared to wait for his third signing of the January transfer window - to make sure he got it right.
The deadline day news that Christian Eriksen's injury would keep the Dane out until at least late April was met with frantic calls from Manchester United fans for Ten Hag to sign a replacement. But the Red Devils boss rejected four midfielders he was offered until eventually giving the green light for United to move for Marcel Sabitzer.
The Bayern Munich star joins on loan for the remainder of the season and will provide a welcome boost for Ten Hag, who was looking short of options in the middle of the park. Yet perhaps just as important for United's manager is that his new arrival possesses the ideal qualities he is looking for in a member of his squad.
It was reported earlier this month that Ten Hag's transfer business was centred around adding 'characters' to his squad. United have already brought in striker Wout Weghorst on loan - a player who Ten Hag deemed to have the perfect personality to fight for a place in his side.
Weghorst's arrival comes after the likes of Eriksen, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Antony all joined in the summer. Indeed it was five-time Champions League winner Casemiro who described his manager as being "obsessed with winning" and "always wants the best".
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
In new signing Sabitzer, he appears to have found another kindred spirit. Speaking after the 28-year-old completed his switch to Old Trafford, Sabitzer's agent, Roger Wittman, told German outlet TZ.de : “He’s the most uncomfortable player when he loses, that’s the main thing. He’s a killer in character, the boy.
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Sabitzer has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth at Bayern Munich (Alexandra Beier/AP/REX/Shutterstock)“This is what players look like who always want to win and the coach has to check who should be playing for Bayern. I can’t imagine Marcel’s attitude or class failing.”
It is Sabitzer's lack of game time at Bayern which prompted him to push for an exit once he learned of United's interest. He only moved to the Allianz Arena two summers ago but has failed to cement his place in Julian Nagelsmann's starting XI, despite being a prominent squad player.
Sabitzer will have a similar battle on his hands at United, though could force his way in ahead of Fred with Eriksen out injured. Scott McTominay's future remains uncertain and Sabitzer can take inspiration from Weghorst's immediate inclusion in the United side as a cause for optimism.
With an intense top four run-in to come, as well as a Carabao Cup final, a Europa League tie with Barcelona and the fifth round of the FA Cup, Ten Hag will want plenty of healthy competition for places, and his players chomping at the bit for action.
Wittman added: ""It’s clear that he [Sabitzer] wants to play. He’s a top player, not just any player. All I can say is that Marcel is the most uncomfortable when he’s not playing."