Manchester United do not need Marcel Sabitzer next season

Marcel Sabitzer was loaned in at Manchester United on January transfer deadline day for one reason - to cover for injuries.

"We’re really happy with that transfer because we need it after Donny [Van de Beek] dropped out [for the season], now Christian Eriksen for a longer time, and for a short time Scott McTominay is not available,” Erik ten Hag said upon the Austrian’s arrival.

The midfielder has done amply to a point where there is a state of flux about what should happen about his future at Old Trafford - he’s not played abysmally to warrant exit calls but neither has he pulled up trees to get United fans buzzing.

ALSO READ: United in discussions with Bayern after major Sabitzer injury blow

Even the player himself is not sure about his future, confirming earlier this month he had not spoken to parent club Bayern Munich since his departure. Yet more haziness has descended over his status as a United player following his season-ending knee injury.

The Manchester Evening News understands both United and Bayern are now in discussions over how to plan his rehabilitation with no decision made on a potential permanent switch.

Sabitzer has two years left on his deal with his German employers having started just seven Bundesliga matches before his January switch. In fact, he’s only started 20 games for them in all competitions since his arrival in August 2021.

It’s likely the decision over a permanent transfer rests with United but in truth, he is not the type of player United need. Ten Hag is after a new midfielder in the summer but fans would be left disappointed if that man was 29-year-old Sabitzer.

Furthermore, the Reds already have a man of similar profile in Fred. Since signing, Sabitzer has played 18 times, including