Erik ten Hag praised the attitude of deadline-day addition Marcel Sabitzer and tipped the Austrian to make a big impact at Manchester United between now and the end of the season.
United completed an 11th-hour loan move for the 28-year-old after Christian Eriksen became the latest midfielder in the treatment room.
With the Dane ruled out for at least three months following a crude tackle by Andy Carroll in the win against Reading, United acted swiftly to strengthen their ranks. They initiated contact with Bayern Munich on deadline day and Sabitzer jetted into Manchester late in the afternoon to complete a season-long loan that was announced shortly after midnight.
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He remained in Manchester to see his new side reach Wembley, beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night to wrap up a 5-0 aggregate win in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Sabitzer will be available to play in the February 26 final against Newcastle and Ten Hag is confident he will perform, having watched his career closely at RB Leipzig and during a loan spell at Red Bull Salzburg eight years ago.
"We’re really happy with that transfer because we need it after Donny dropped out [for the season], now Christian Eriksen for a longer time, and for a short time Scott McTominay is not available," he said.
"To bring a quality player in on deadline day, that is difficult, we got this opportunity, I know the player for a long time from Salzburg, and especially Leipzig. He performed fantastic. I expect the same here.
"He has a great attitude, he’s the right age, I’m sure this opportunity will motivate him and he will perform for us."
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