Manchester United signing Marcel Sabitzer once had a trial with parent club Bayern Munich that went so badly that his agent felt the need to apologise.
The Austrian midfielder has penned a six-month loan deal at Old Trafford and will provide more competition to a Red Devils midfield that has been hampered by an injury sustained by Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen. Despite a disappointing spell with Bayern Munich, Erik ten Hag ’s men are receiving a player of pedigree.
Sabitzer previously shone with Bayern’s Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig - his form being good enough to secure a switch to the Allianz Arena in the summer of 2021. It is not the first time that the midfielder has been in Bavaria, though.
He previously had a trial with the German giants when he was just 14 years of age. His audition went so badly that his agent was forced to apologise to then Bayern head of youth football Werner Kern.
Speaking to TZ in 2021, Kern said: “He trained as badly as I have ever experienced. That was a disappointment — even his agent apologised to me at the time.
“His performance was not due to his ability. We have nothing to reproach ourselves for. After all, we scouted him. But if someone presents himself like that, you can’t take him.”
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However, Kern now believes that Sabitzer has finally reached his potential having kept a close eye on him since his disastrous loan spell with the club. “I have followed Marcel’s path closely,” he added.
"He has become a first-class Bundesliga player, has also matured into a leading figure in the national team. A great development! He got the best out of it for himself. Years later, what belongs together has now come together.”
Sabitzer will certainly be aiming to have a better start to life with Manchester United. He appears unlikely to play a role in the Red Devils’ EFL Cup semi-final second-leg tie with Nottingham Forest but could make his debut at the weekend against Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils have already been told how best they could utilise the Austrian’s talents but have been warned that Sabitzer might require some time to adapt, according to former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “He [Sabitzer] came to Munich 18 months ago and he hasn’t cut it, hence why they are offloading him. His best position is further forward, he’s not a defensive midfielder.
“I’m pretty surprised they are interested, he won’t help them straight away, Could make an impact in the future.”
“He’s a box-to-box player, he has a good engine,” he added. “Very versatile. He would be a very good player for Manchester United.”
