Manchester United signs Marcel Sabitzer to cover for injured Eriksen

Manchester United completed loan signing of midfielder Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich as cover for injured Christian Eriksen on Tuesday.

Eriksen could miss most of remainder of season because of an ankle injury, sustained during United’s 3-1 win against Reading in FA Cup on Saturday.

That prompted Premier League club to look for midfield reinforcements before January window closed, with Sabitzer flying in from Germany to sign a deal until end of season.

“Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions,” Sabitzer said. “From moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help club achieve its aims this season.”

Sabitzer has won 68 international caps for Austria and played 24 times for Munich this season.

United said Eriksen will be sidelined for “an extended period” — likely until late April or early May.

Denmark international has become a key figure under United manr Erik ten Hag, making 31 appearances this season.

former Tottenham and Inter Milan player suffered a cardiac arrest on field at European Championship in 2021 and needed to be resuscitated with a defibrillator. He had a cardioverter-defibrillator fitted and made his return to top flight soccer a year ago when he joined Premier League club Brentford.

His performances for London club led to a move to United last summer.

Ten Hag on Tuesday said it would be difficult for United to replace Eriksen’s influence.

“Ar player will always fill it in a different way but that doesn’t mean you have to be less successful,” he said. “It’s quite clear that Christian Eriksen brings top quality to our squad and especially he has some specifics that are hard to replace.

“For instance, his impact in final third with final ball.”

deal for Sabitzer gives Ten Hag more options for remainder of campaign, with United still aiming to qualify for Champions League as well as competing in League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.

“Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time. opportunity arose quickly, and we knew that he was someone with ability and character to make an impact,” United football director John Murtough said. “He adds furr quality to our squad and experience to dressing room.”

United plays ttingham Forest in second leg of League Cup semifinals on Wednesday, leading 3-0 after first game.