Erik explains Sabitzer signing
Marcel Sabitzer is a signing who will put in “strong” performances for Manchester United, says Erik ten Hag.
The manager spoke to the media following United’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, ensuring a 5-0 aggregate victory and safe passage to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Journalists quizzed the Dutchman about our newest recruit, who arrived on loan from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day, and was in attendance for our win over Forest.
“We are really happy with that transfer because we need it after Donny van de Beek dropped out, now Christian Eriksen for a longer time and also, I think for a short time, Scott McTominay is also not available,” said Erik.
“So that gives us a shortage of midfield players. But then to bring a quality player in on deadline day that is difficult, and we got this opportunity.”
Watch Ten Hag's press conference
Erik spoke about Sabitzer, Lindelof as a no.6, Sancho's reception and more, in an 11-minute briefing...
Erik further elaborated on the effect Eriksen’s absence has on his side, as evidenced against Forest.
“I think you see the first half that Eriksen, when he’s not there, it’s a different dynamic in the team.” Ten Hag said in a separate interview. “It doesn’t have to be worse. Only the team has to adapt and that takes time.
“But time we don’t have [time]. The next game is already coming. We have two days and then the Premier League will restart.”
Sabitzer could be available to make his United debut in our next match against Crystal Palace, if his paperwork is completed, and Ten Hag is backing the Austria international to succeed at Old Trafford.
“I know the player already a long time from [RB] Salzburg,” he continued in his post-match press conference. “Especially from [RB] Leipzig.
“He performed fantastically, so I expect that he will do the same here.
“I think he has a great attitude; he is at the right age, and I am sure this opportunity will motivate him greatly and he will perform strongly for us.”