Manchester United have been told that potential signing Marcel Sabitzer is far more effective going forwards but is not anticipated to have an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
The Bayern Munich midfielder has been linked with a deadline day switch to United with the Red Devils aiming to bolster their options in the centre of the park. Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen is expected to be restricted to the sidelines for the foreseeable future after the injury he picked up in the recent FA Cup victory over Reading.
Reports have suggested that both United and Premier League rivals Chelsea have submitted enquiries to take him on loan for the remainder of the campaign following a disappointing spell in Bavaria. Former Bayern star Dietmar Hamann has suggested that Sabitzer could certainly help the Red Devils on the attacking front but will take time to get up to top form in the Premier League.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the ex-German international said: “He [Sabitzer] came to Munich 18 months ago and he hasn’t cut it, hence why they are offloading him. His best position is further forward, he’s not a defensive midfielder.
“I’m pretty surprised they are interested, he won’t help them straight away, Could make an impact in the future.”
Meanwhile, Hamann has also questioned Chelsea’s decision to pursue the Austria international having claimed that he is not as good as academy graduate Conor Gallagher.
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“He’s a box-to-box player, he has a good engine,” he added. “Very versatile. He would be a very good player for Manchester United. At the same time, I'm very surprised that Chelsea are trying to offload Conor Gallagher for him, he’s not in his league.”
Sabitzer, 28, is currently in the midst of a frustrating spell with Bayern Munich having arrived at the Allianz Stadium 18 months ago. Of his 54 appearances for the German champions, only 20 of those have been starts.
He has netted on just two occasions since becoming a Bayern player after struggling to back-up the stunning performances that RB Leipzig fans previously enjoyed. He netted nine goals and provided seven assists during his final season at the Red Bull Arena.
The midfielder is expected to be drafted in as a replacement for Eriksen with fellow Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson concerned over how his absence could impact the Red Devils for the remainder of the campaign. He said: "He's a massive part of that team. I'm a massive fan of his. He gives them that guile that can open up defences.
"Man United are starting to earn that reputation again, where sides go to Old Trafford and sit 10 men behind the ball. A couple of years ago teams thought 'well have a go here'.
"Now that teams are sitting back, Christian Eriksen was the one that opened teams up. I think he's a big miss. Out of every player, Eriksen would be the one I would miss most if I was a Man United. I don't think they'll panic."
