Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić has detailed the conversation between he and Marcel Sabitzer that ended with the midfielder's deadline day move to Manchester United.
Sabitzer joined United on loan for the remainder of the season, the club acting swiftly to secure cover for Christian Eriksen following news that the Danish international will be out until around April with an ankle injury. Erik ten Hag's side have neither an option nor an obligation to buy the 28-year-old come June.
Having only returned to the market for a midfielder at the start of the week, United needed cogs to turn quickly if they were to meet the 11pm deadline - as it was, a deal sheet was sent off to the Premier League and the signing was confirmed shortly after midnight.
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In Sabitzer, they found an international level midfielder ready to make the move on the spot, and speaking after the signing was confirmed, Bayern's sporting director detailed the conversations that led to them facilitating a late deal.
“Manchester United expressed an interest in Marcel Sabitzer at the beginning of the week," Salihamidžić told Bayern's website. "Marcel told us he would like more playing time and he’s confident he will get that at United. After consultation with our coach Julian Nagelsmann, we accepted the request and have loaned Marcel to Manchester United until 30 June. We wish him every success for the second half of the season with United.”
With Ten Hag's side still competing on all four fronts, the Dutchman will value added depth even after Eriksen's return in around three months. United's predominant midfield trio has an average age of just over 29 and Sabitzer's arrival provides more than capable cover and the experience needed to win trophies and make the top four.
The Austrian has not been registered in time to feature in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening but will be available to face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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