Erik ten Hag hints at whether Marcel Sabitzer will start for Man United against Crystal Palace

Erik ten Hag says that new signing Marcel Sabitzer is ‘very fit’ and suggests that the Austrian could make his Manchester United debut from the start against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Sabitzer was in the stands to watch United’s 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest in mid-week as The Reds reached their first Carabao Cup final since they won the competition in 2017.

He was unavailable to play in that match because he was still completing his visa process. However, the 28-year-old has since been added to the club’s updated Premier League squad list and is in contention to play against Palace in the Premier League.

Ten Hag confirmed that the midfielder will be in the matchday squad for the encounter against The Eagles.

“He did only one session but you can see he’s a very fit player,” added Ten Hag on United’s latest signing. “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.

“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].”

Sabitzer will likely come into the team for Fred, who scored at Old Trafford on Wednesday and has impressed under the Dutchman this season.

Casemiro’s importance to the team is stark and means that Sabitzer will be playing alongside the Brazilian in the midfield.

Diogo Dalot has also returned to training after recovering from an injury but it has not been confirmed whether he will be available for this encounter.

Speaking on the injury to Christian Eriksen, which sparked the action to sign Sabitzer on a loan deal, Ten Hag was not happy with the nature of the challenge from Andy Caroll.

“I’m disappointed about that,” said Ten Hag earlier this week. “I think football has to set limits, restrictions, that protect the players. What football wants is the best players to be available on the pitch.

“This is a tackle – and the two tackles after it – that don’t belong on a pitch, because there is a high risk of injuring your colleague. So it’s worse and I’m left wondering about that.”