It is a measure of Marcel Sabitzer’s impact that UEFA’s confirmation of his Europa League suspension has come as a disappointment to Manchester United fans.
Let’s face it, Sabitzer’s loan move from Bayern Munich was hardly box office stuff, the Austrian midfielder having failed to truly establish himself with the German champions. But after Casemiro’s suspension, Sabitzer has stepped up to the plate in two hard-fought contests against Leeds United and been quietly effective.
But three bookings in the Champions League group stages for Bayern means Sabitzer, 28, will miss Thursday’s game against Barcelona in the Nou Camp, even though it is in a different competition.
His absence will be compensated by Casemiro’s return to the team but, after a couple of good displays, Sabitzer will be missed by Erik ten Hag. And there are already signs that Sabitzer - who signed for Bayern from RB Leipzig for £15million in August, 2021 - would be keen to make his switch to Old Trafford permanent.
After being instrumental in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Elland Road, the Austrian said: “From the first moment, I felt very good in the team, there is a good spirit and we are a good team. It’s fun.
“It’s a loan at the moment … (but) I like it here, I’m feeling very good here, I like the team, I like the club, I like the atmosphere in Old Trafford. We will see what happens in the summer.”
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As Bayern Munich would be keen to offload him permanently, Sabitzer has a great incentive to shine in United’s busy second half to the season. And Casemiro’s absence after the dismissal in the game against Crystal Palace has given him his early chance.
Sabitzer went on: “They have been busy days, I had to come in quickly, I have enjoyed it, I like it so far, the team welcomed me very well.
“It was a bit of a cold start but I had to step in quickly because of the Casemiro suspension. I’m ready for that and happy playing.
“Now, there are big games ahead, big things ahead, we have to keep going, keep improving, keep the energy high and we’ll see what happens at the end of the season, but we’re ready to go.”
One player who is certainly keeping the energy high is Marcus Rashford and Sabitzer has been suitably impressed by the England striker, saying: “He’s a different player, he can make the difference, he’s a great guy, a great player, he’s helping us a lot at the moment.”
Perhaps more significantly, Sabitzer is also highly impressed with Ten Hag, the man who will have the final say on whether the move will be made permanent.
“He’s talking to me a lot about what he’s expecting from me and I try to fulfil that,” Sabitzer said. “I’m feeling good with him and his tactics and I like it so far.”
