Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag confirmed that new signing Marcel Sabitzer is primed to play against Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon.
Sabitzer joined Manchester United on Deadline Day from Bayern Munich on a loan deal until the end of the season [Man United], and the Austrian international adds some much needed depth to the United midfield because currently the Reds are without Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek due to injury.
💬 Erik gave a one-word answer when asked whether Marcel Sabitzer will be in our matchday squad on Saturday…#MUFC || #MUNCRY
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 3, 2023
Sabitzer has been pictured training with his team-mates at Carrington and is a player who can fill the gap that has been vacated due to the injury to Christian Eriksen, who featured 31 times for United before his injury [Transfermarkt]. If United line-up in their expected 4-2-3-1 formation, then it is likely that he will be paired alongside Casemiro and the United fans can expect similar characteristics from the Austrian as they have seen from Eriksen this season.
Welcome to #MUFC training, Marcel Sabitzer! pic.twitter.com/VwQTKj8bUm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 3, 2023
Sabitzer is a player who predominately plays as a centre-midfielder and you could argue that he is in a similar mould to the Denmark international because he can use both feet, has an excellent passing range, and his adaptability means that he can understand certain situations on the pitch, which is key in helping a team to control and dictate the game, which United are looking to do under ten Hag.
Ten Hag told reporters that: “I think he’s a really smart player. I think we gave him some guidance but I think he knows what to do, he knows the job, so he could do [start]” [via Man United].
The United manager was asked how has the new signing adapted and the Dutchman said: Â “Very good. Of course, he did only one session but you can see he’s a very fit player. I didn’t have a different expectation. He’s coming from Bayern Munich. German [clubs] they are always [about] fitness, [it’s] always good. So, he is [fit]. So, I think he is ready to play” [via Man United].
Given that United are playing at home, they are expected to have the majority of the ball, which means that the former RB Lepizig man’s qualities are going to be vital in a game like this because United will need to find a way to break the Eagles down and Sabitzer’s passing range can help the Old Trafford outfit do that.
The game between Man United and Crystal Palace kicks off at 3pm on Saturday and it is an important game as ten Hag’s side look to cement their position in the top four and bounce back from their recent Premier League game, which was nearly two weeks ago against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where United lost 3-2.
