Manchester United signing Marcel Sabitzer was the best option out there to replace Christian Eriksen, believes journalist Dean Jones.
The Red Devils needed to bring in a new midfielder after Eriksen’s serious injury, and Jones is confident that the Austrian is a good fit for them.
Man United transfer news – Marcel Sabitzer
United signed Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day after it was revealed that Eriksen could be out of action until May.
However, the 28-year-old was not the only midfielder who became an attainable option for the Manchester club.
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, United could have brought in Isco, Saul Niguez or Houssem Aouar after being offered the three players.
In the end, though, manager Erik ten Hag opted for Sabitzer.
What has Dean Jones said about Marcel Sabitzer and Man United?
Jones says United have actually been tracking Sabitzer for a while and has described the Austria international as a “brilliant all-round midfielder”.
Speaking to GMS, the transfer insider said: “He was the best fit, primarily. They lost Christian Eriksen and they needed to find someone that suited his role, and Sabitzer absolutely does that. He’s a brilliant all-round midfielder.
“He can be creative, too, he can score goals as well and also United had already done some profiling of him in the summer window, which meant that he wasn’t completely unknown to them or Ten Hag. So it was a very good option that they could progress with when his availability became known on the back of that Eriksen injury.”
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What will Marcel Sabitzer bring to Man United?
Sabitzer is quite a forward-thinking midfielder. As per FBref, he has ranked in the 99th percentile for total shots, the 88th for touches in the box and the 96th for progressive passes received among his positional peers over the last year.
The former RB Leipzig man is also in the 92nd percentile for tackles, so he really does look to be quite an all-rounder.
“He is in Ten Hag’s mould. He’s a winner; he’s a versatile midfield player,” former United coach Rene Meulensteen said on BBC Radio 5 Live (via MailOnline) following Sabitzer’s arrival at Old Trafford.
“He can do all sorts of things. I think he is definitely a very, very clever signing.”
Ultimately, Sabitzer, who is earning £110,000 a week, according to Capology, should bring a lot to Ten Hag’s side.
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