Manchester United have confirmed Marcel Sabizter’s season is over after suffering a knee injury.
Signed on loan from Bayern Munich during the January window, the Austrian has impressed in the centre of Erik ten Hag’s midfield. But after picking a meniscus injury, he may have played his final game for the Red Devils.
“ Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has suffered a meniscal injury which will, unfortunately, rule him out for the remainder of the season,” a statement released by the club reads.
“Everyone at the club is disappointed to lose Marcel's services, as the Reds chase a strong finish to the season in the Premier League and FA Cup, and we are grateful for his contribution to our progress so far.”
Sabizter was signed following the injury suffered by his midfield colleague Christian Eriksen. Ten Hag acted quickly in the final hours of the window in order to get a deal over the line. And since his arrival he has proven a valuable contributor in the squad, racking up 18 appearances and scoring three times - including a brace in the Europa League clash with Sevilla.
He will now join Lisandro Martinez as Ten Hag signings that have seen their maiden season at the club prematurely concluded. Martinez was enjoying a fine season before injury ruled him out until the summer. United will now have to cope without both players as they look to clinch a space in the top four, and beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at the start of June.
It now remains to be seen whether United will opt to make the 29-year-old’s stay at Old Trafford a permanent one. There was no pre-existing option to make the deal a long-term one, but there is a chance a move could be on the cards.
Speaking last month, the midfielder seemed to suggest that United only intended on a shorter arrangement, telling Bild: "Manchester United made it clear that my loan was [a] project until the summer, then we'll see. Until then, I want to give everything here. Then in the summer, the whole situation will be evaluated."
He added: "Of course, my thoughts are on Manchester United, especially with the trust I get from Erik ten Hag - it's very positive. I've found my place here. Now I know the Premier League and can say there's nothing better."
Bayern are reportedly open to facilitating a permanent exit, with the player having failed to ever make the grade at the Allianz. The German giants paid a tick over £14million to acquire his services in 2021 and would like to recoup most of that should he leave.
Ten Hag has also hinted he would be keen to sign Sabitzer permanently: ‘He’s doing fantastic,” Ten Hag said last month.
“He’s adjusted well to Manchester United and the Premier League. He is a great person and suits the dressing room well. He’s an intelligent player and we’re happy with his role at this moment.”
However, that situation may have changed with reports claiming United are prioritising a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Ten Hag was the man in charge last summer, when club officials made the trip out to Turin to sign the Frenchman - only to return empty handed.
A year on and Rabiot is set to become a free agent, with L’Equipe claiming that the Red Devils are desperate to strike an agreement. They would need to fend off Premier League competition however, with Newcastle also said to be in the mix.
