Marcel Sabitzer keeping an open mind about permanent Man United move

Upon switching the Allianz Arena for Old Trafford on a six-month loan deal in the January transfer window, there was a sense of inevitability of when Marcel Sabitzer would be asked if he would be happy to sign a long-term contract at Manchester United in the summer.

Marcel Sabitzer has impressed in the three outings he’s had in the red of Manchester United, playing in place of Casemiro, who is currently serving a three-match ban for violent conduct.

Speaking after a tense 2-0 win over Leeds United at the weekend, the Austria international was asked on if he has the ambition to turn his six-month loan deal into a permanent transfer come July.

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“It’s a loan at the moment, that’s all I can say,” he replied. “I like it here. I’m feeling very good here. I like the team. I like the club, the atmosphere at Old Trafford. We will see what happens in the summer.”

The Bayern Munich midfielder is seemingly keeping an open mind over the possibility of turning his loan spell into a permanent move at the end of the season, not committing either way and is more focused on making sure he can carry out his current job.

Due to the suspension of Casemiro, Sabitzer has seen more action than expected in his first few weeks at the club.

“It’s been a busy few days. I had to come in quick, but I enjoy it. I like it so far,” he described. “The team welcome me very well. It was a bit of a cold start, but I had to step in quick because of the Casemiro suspension. I’m ready for that and happy playing.”

A lot has been said since the beginning of the season regarding the turnaround Erik ten Hag has overseen at United, and Sabitzer believes there is a buzz around the place.

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He said: “You can feel it. From the first moment on, I felt very good in the team – good spirit, good goals, we’re a good team. It’s fun.

“The manager talks to me a lot, what he’s expecting from me. I try to fulfil that. I’m feeling good with him, and his tactics and I like it so far.”

Sabitzer will miss out on United’s trip to Barcelona in the play-off round of the Europa League due to a suspension in Europe, continuing from his time at Bayern Munich earlier this season. However, the 28-year-old has his sights set on the longer-term goal for this season: cutting the gap from the league’s top two sides, Arsenal and Manchester City.

“It’s hard, we’re a bit behind them. But we keep going, doing our job, be ready for that and we will see.”

In the game at Elland Road against Leeds, Sabitzer won 100% of his tackles, two interceptions and completed 13/13 final third passes. 

Once given the freedom to get further forward after Casemiro’s return to the squad, Ten Hag may have a much-needed goal threat as part of his armoury.