Bayern Munich deadline day rejection which forced Man Utd's hand comes to light
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has had a busy couple of days at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ boss put the finishing touches to their January transfer window on Tuesday evening having secured the loan signing of Bayern Munich star Marcel Sabitzer. Less than 24 hours after that, the Austrian was in the stands with his new employers taking on Nottingham Forest as they attempted to end their five-year wait to reach a domestic final.
With United remaining in all four competitions, the games continue to come thick and fast with Crystal Palace scheduled to travel to Old Trafford this weekend. Here are the latest headlines from Old Trafford.
Ten Hag ends half-decade wait
Ten Hag has guided Man Utd into their first domestic cup final in half a decade after his side sealed a 5-0 aggregate win over Nottingham Forest to tee-up a date with Newcastle. After winning the first leg 3-0 in the Midlands, the Red Devils added to that scoreline with another relatively comfortable success.
Anthony Martial and Fred both scored within three second-half minutes to secure their spot in this month's Wembley final. A win over the Magpies will now ensure Ten Hag succeeds where his last two predecessors failed, winning a major trophy.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dashRead all of the talking points from Wednesday’s win over Forest right here
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United see second Bayern deal turned down
While the Red Devils managed to secure the services of Bayern’s Sabitzer on deadline day, it appears that they originally had eyes on his teammate instead. According to reports, United were keen on a deal for Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Ten Hag had previously helped him develop during the pair’s time with Ajax, with the 20-year-old’s form having been good enough to help him seal a move to Bavaria. United were left frustrated in their efforts to sign him though.
Bayern had no desire to let Gravenberch leave the Allianz Arena in January which led to a deal for Sabitzer materialising.
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Maguire bemoans loss of 'leader'
Man Utd captain Harry Maguire has suggested that the Red Devils lost a “leader” on deadline day. Defender Axel Tuanzebe sealed a loan move to Stoke City in the final hours of the window, a deal that might not have gone down well with the former Leicester star.
Speaking in 2021, he said: "We have a lot of leaders in the dressing room, a lot of senior pros. And you don’t have to be a senior pro to be a leader.
“Axel is a leader, in the ways that he works and speaks in the dressing room. And he’s only a young boy, he’s still learning his trade. I’m sure he’ll go on to have an unbelievable career."
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Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move