3 ways Manchester United could line up with new signing Marcel Sabitzer

Manchester United completed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening.

The midfielder’s move was announced by the club in the earliest hours of Wednesday morning shortly after the transfer deadline slammed shut.

Sabitzer was brought in as an emergency replacement for Christian Eriksen, who is out injured for around three months.

He is a flexible midfielder who can operate in several different roles and positions, which will be a great asset to Erik ten Hag for the remainder of the season.

Here are three ways that UtdDistrict believe Manchester United could line up with the Austrian international in the side.

#1: Double pivot w/ Casemiro

The most expected way that United could line up with the new signing is by placing him alongside the important Casemiro in the double pivot.

He would hold the responsibility that Eriksen has in the middle, offering progressiveness and creativity, which he has shown he can do throughout his career.

Sabitzer is comfortable on the left side of a midfield duo which suits the plan at Old Trafford, as Casemiro regularly starts on the right side.

Bruno Fernandes would be placed ahead of the pairing and it could also be an upgrade defensively, with Sabitzer yielding impressive defensive attributes and statistics.

#2 Double pivot w/ Fred

On the other hand, Sabitzer can also operate as the ‘destroyer’ in the engine room and has done on occasion since moving to Bayern in 2021.

This could allow important rest for Casemiro in the hectic schedule that United have. The Austrian would be placed alongside Fred (or Eriksen when fit) and have more importance in his defensive responsibility.

This would be expected to be used in games where United are expected to control proceedings but would be great for the side, who have no reliable replacement for their Brazilian master at the heart of the midfield.

#3 Attacking midfield, Fred & Casemiro behind

The beauty of Sabitzer’s versatility is that he can also play in more offensive positions. Despite his lack of goal contributions at Allianz Arena, the 28-year-old was prolific during his time at RB Leipzig.

He played on both wings during his time with the Red Bull club but is more likely to get opportunities as the number 10, which also can give Bruno Fernandes rest since both Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are out of action.

The midfielder could play in front of Casemiro and Fred or Eriksen and would provide a slightly different option to the Portuguese Magnifico.

Similarly to Bruno though, Sabitzer offers impressive runs into the box and could help United on the goalscoring front, which Marcus Rashford is currently carrying going into the second half of the season.