The curtain came down on Marcel Sabitzer's season this week after confirmation that the Austrian would miss the final three league games and the FA Cup final due to a knee injury.
Sabitzer was not involved in Saturday's 2-0 win at home to Wolves, a victory that reset United's top-four fight after consecutive defeats on the road.
The 29-year-old came off the bench at West Ham the previous week and finished the game, with Reds boss Erik ten Hag unable to elaborate on his absence over the weekend.
However worst fears were confirmed upon Monday's news that a meniscus problem will see him sidelined for the run-in. Sabitzer signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January, drafted in as swift and competent cover for Christian Eriksen, whose injury against Reading saw him absent for two months. ALSO READ: United in talks with Bayern Munich after Marcel Sabitzer injury blow Such was the speed with which Ten Hag needed to sort a deal that discussions over any option/obligation to buy were sidelined.