Mourinho revives pursuit for Man Utd outcast after Ten Hag transfer admission
Jose Mourinho has seen a bid to take former Manchester United star Marcel Sabitzer to Roma rejected by Bayern Munich after he failed to seal a permanent Old Trafford switch.
The Austrian joined the Red Devils on a loan deal in January as Erik ten Hag bolstered his midfield options. He helped United end their long trophy drought as they lifted the Carabao Cup.
Ten Hag was highly complimentary of the midfielder’s displays and integration into the team following his arrival. Speaking last term, the Dutchman said: “He’s doing fantastic. He’s adjusted well to Manchester United and the Premier League.
"He is a great person and suits the dressing room well. He’s an intelligent player and we’re happy with his role at this moment.”
The 29-year-old made 18 appearances in all competitions for his adoptive employers, scoring three goals. United had an option to make the deal permanent but turned that down, with Sabitzer returning to the Allianz Arena as a result.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
However, he could be on the move once again sooner rather than later. According to La Repubblica, Mourinho’s Roma are interested in taking him to the Stadio Olimpico.
Marcel Sabitzer played 18 games for Man United last season (Getty Images)How did you rate Marcel Sabitzer's time at Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
It is reported Roma have already lodged an offer to Bayern for the midfielder’s services. They have offered to take him on loan for the forthcoming season with an option to buy him permanently.
Bayern have turned that bid down though, as they remain keen on selling Sabitzer outright. He currently has two years left to serve on his contract with the reigning German champions after arriving from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig in 2021.
Since then, he has made 54 appearances for the club and scored just twice. Mourinho’s attempt to sign Sabitzer is not the first time that he has made his interest known.
The Portuguese head coach was interested in a deal back in 2020 when he was still in charge of Tottenham. As per Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho was willing to sanction a £45m swoop as a potential replacement for Tanguy Ndombele.
Both midfielders have endured a dramatic fall from grace since, with Sabitzer potentially available for far less this summer. Should Roma eventually seal a deal for him, he could potentially link up with one of his former Man Utd team-mates at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Italians have also been credited with an interest in Brazilian midfielder Fred. The former Shakhtar Donetsk star has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford with just one year left on his deal.
Mourinho is keen to build his midfield around Fred should United agree to a sale. He would become the third former Red Devil to move to the Italian capital over recent years after Chris Smalling and Nemanja Matic.
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