MANCHESTER UNITED secured the loan signing of Marcel Sabitzer on transfer deadline day.
And Erik ten Hag now has a versatile star to call upon for a host of tactical plans.
Sabitzer, 28, was poached from Bayern Munich following the news that Christian Eriksen had been ruled out injured until May.
Despite reports of interest from Chelsea, United moved quickly to strike terms with the player and his club.
And despite cutting it close to the deadline, the Red Devils managed to get a deal done for Sabitzer on time.
A box-to-box midfielder by trade, Sabitzer is most likely set to slot in as Eriksen’s direct replacement alongside Casemiro.
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That would allow United to keep their most tried-and-trusted shape under Ten Hag.
But Sabitzer started life as a right winger at RB Leipzig.
And he could be an option ahead of Antony and Jadon Sancho on the flank if Ten Hag wants more midfield control with Fred or Scott McTominay.
Sabitzer is equally capable of playing as an attacking No10 behind the striker.
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That position tends to be occupied by Bruno Fernandes.
But the Portuguese maestro has also shown he can dictate play from out wide.
And that could allow a tactical shuffle for Marcus Rashford to go up top, with Tyrell Malacia overlapping Fernandes as a wing-back.
It now remains to be seen when Sabitzer makes his debut, with a starting spot in tonight’s Carabao Cup semi against Nottingham Forest unlikely.
But Saturday’s home match against Crystal Palace could provide the perfect opportunity, with United then hosting rivals Leeds next week.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
