Manchester United have four games to make simple £15m transfer decision

Marcel Sabitzer had nothing to lose when touching down in the Premier League mid-season yet Manchester United have everything to gain by making his loan transfer permanent when the market reopens.

After losing Christian Eriksen to injury, United had to think (and act) quickly in January and Sabitzer was the man Erik ten Hag settled on to address temporary concerns within the engine room. 18 games later and Sabitzer has proven himself to be much more than the required stop-gap.

Helping to hold down the fort when Casemiro was suspended, the Austrian has since been able to showcase his primary qualities in an advanced position. Hard-working, clever, tidy in possession and hungry to press as you would expect from anyone schooled or nurtured by the Red Bull system, Sabitzer is every bit a Ten Hag player in style and substance - and he will not exactly break the bank in a pricey market.

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United do not plan to pursue fellow mid-season loanee Wout Weghorst permanently, as already reported by Manchester Evening News, so the silence with regards to Sabitzer, perhaps, speaks volumes. While there are obstacles to overcome, United would be foolish to look past him as an option.

In their ongoing search for a new striker, signing England captain Harry Kane - or any worthwhile alternative - would make a significant dent in the summer budget and Ten Hag must address further areas to build on this promising first season at the Old Trafford helm.

A dynamic midfielder is also on the shopping list for United and Sabitzer fits the bill there. He might not be Jude Bellingham or Frenkie de Jong, but there are far too many moving parts at play to offer any guarantees either would sign; as United discovered