Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted that it is “much too soon” to discuss permanent deals for Red Devils’ loan stars Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst.
The duo arrived at Old Trafford on temporary switches in the January transfer window from Bayern Munich and Burnley respectively. They have enjoyed positive impacts since then.
Weghorst, 30, has been the Red Devils’ starting striker since putting pen to paper on his loan move - albeit only managing to score one goal in all competitions since. Sabitzer’s experience has come in handy so far in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
The Austrian midfielder is yet to be on the losing side since his arrival and helped the Red Devils to glory at Wembley against Newcastle at the weekend. His only transgression so far has been a crunching challenge on Wout Faes in the victory over Leicester - Sabitzer lucky to escape a red card.
Attention has turned to potential permanent deals for the pair - something that could potentially be completed by the Red Devils’ new owners, a deal expected to be completed by the end of the season. Ten Hag has however insisted that it is still too early to consider the club’s summer business with plenty still to play for.
"I think it’s much too quick, much too soon to talk about that," the Dutchman said. "First, we are in this season. That is where the only focus has to be. No distractions for what is coming next season.
Should Man Utd sign either Sabitzer or Weghorst permanently this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"No, we are in this season and we are in the right positon in this moment. This is the position we want to be because we are competing in three competitions."
Whilst Ten Hag has insisted that he is not putting plans in place for permanent switches for either Sabitzer or Weghorst as of yet, that has not stopped the two players from expressing their wishes. The on-loan Bayern is reportedly open to making move - his agent Roger Wittmann telling that the Austrian is enjoying life at Old Trafford.
"At Manchester United we see Marcel from Leipzig again. I'm very happy for him," he told SPORT1. Asked what happens in the summer, he replied: "We'll see when the time comes."
Meanwhile, Weghorst has already expressed his desire to earn a permanent move. Speaking shortly arriving, the Dutch striker said: “It is fantastic to be here. The atmosphere, the away fans, the game that waves up and down. Wonderful. I’ve been here for over a week now. It’s going well.
“Of course [he wants to stay at Man United], but first I have to make sure I can be of value to the team and this club.”
Both Weghorst and Sabitzer will be aiming to play a role for the Red Devils in what is another hectic week. They at first take on West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday before a showdown with fierce rivals Liverpool at the weekend.
