Rio Ferdinand is backing new Manchester United recruit Marcel Sabitzer to provide the perfect cover for Christian Eriksen during his injury absence.
United, who moved up to third in the Premier League table with Saturday's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, signed Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich for the remainder of the season on transfer deadline day last week. The club was not planning on adding to their tally of two January signings before the 11pm deadline but were forced into sourcing a new central midfielder after it became clear that Eriksen would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Denmark international, who joined United on a free transfer during the summer, is expected to be out until late April at the very earliest because of an ankle injury. He has racked up 31 appearances so far this season.
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Considering United already knew they would be without Donny van de Beek for the rest of the season and Scott McTominay is currently sidelined as well, the club had no choice but to pursue a new addition. Sabitzer, who stepped off the bench against Palace to make his debut, offers both quality and experience and fits the bill for the type of midfielder United needed.
Ferdinand, speaking to William Hill, said: "Given United needed to find a replacement for Eriksen, someone that was realistically available, I think the Sabitzer signing is a great bit of business by the club. United's recruitment team have done well to get him.
"He looks a good player, he's got experience and I think he'll be fantastic for United in the role that they are going to ask him to play and he'll fill that gap left by Eriksen. I can see him settling in quickly and really staking a claim to be a part of the team."
After their midfield woes were exposed time and time again last season, United have found comfort in a reliable midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Eriksen this season. The latter has played a key role in the club's resurrection, meaning all eyes are on how they will cope without him.
"The effect of Eriksen's injury on the United team remains to be seen," Ferdinand added. "It all depends on how Sabitzer does and how he settles into the squad.
"If Sabitzer, all of a sudden, hits the ground running and does well, people won't be talking too much about Eriksen, so it's a real opportunity for Sabitzer. I think he'll do well for the club, he got his first minutes under his belt against Crystal Palace and should kick on now."
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